The Ministry of Labour defines Canadian home workers as performing paid work from their home, on behalf of an employer. The law does not include independent contractors. It is also important not to confuse home workers and domestic workers. The latter are employees of the owner of a private home and generally perform household tasks or provide care.
MINIMUM WAGE
The law provides for a minimum wage specific to home workers. Whether part-time or full-time, they must receive the equivalent of 110% of the general minimum wage. For example, the legal general minimum in Ontario is $10.40 per hour; the minimum wage of a home worker is therefore $12.55. The supplement is intended to cover the costs that accompany an activity at home: electricity, internet, arrangement of a work space.
WORK PERIODS, OVERTIME HOURS
Home workers enjoy the same rights as any other worker when it comes to working hours. A working day cannot exceed eight hours and the maximum permitted per week is 48 hours.
If the limit of 44 hours is reached, the boss and the employee can agree in writing to exceed this ceiling. The worker must then be paid at overtime rates, one and one half times the normal wage.
LEAVE AND BENEFITS FOR HOME WORKERS
Home workers are also entitled to paid leave, whether for maternity or paternity or, for example, for medical reasons. On the other hand, the boss is under no obligation to pay the worker compensation and benefits, including medical coverage. Any additional allowance must be negotiated with the employer.
Don’t forget to check our post about possible scammers that offer job opportunities from home.