Overtime Rate in Nova Scotia
“At 48-hours, Nova Scotia has one of the longest workweeks in the country. Before a worker is legally entitled to earn an overtime rate of pay (one-and-a half times their regular wage), they generally have to work 48-hours over a one-week span. ... Compared with most other Canadian provinces, a 48-hour work week is exceptionally long. Five Canadian provinces and all three territories have achieved 40-hour work weeks. Under the Canada Labour Code, federally regulated workers also operate under this standard. ... Nova Scotia, however, has yet to implement a daily overtime rate for employees who exceed an 8-hour work day.”
“For workers, the consequences of long hours are their physical and mental well being. Multiple health risks are associated with overtime work, including excessive alcohol consumption, depression, anxiety, physical pain, and even workplace injury. ... By eroding time available for friends and family, long work weeks can come with emotional and personal consequences as well. ... This can be especially destructive to families with small children, including single mothers. ... Even from an employer standpoint, imposing long working hours on employees may come with its own set of consequences. Studies prove that when people are unhealthy, stressed, and exhausted, they are less engaged at work. On the other hand, when employees are well-rested, they tend to perform better, and worker retention is improved.”
“A 48-hour work week is excessive and harmful. When long working hours come without the financial reward of overtime pay, the implications can be even more severe. ‘The Fight for $15 and Fairness campaign, along with the Halifax Workers’ Action Centre, is pushing for a reduction in the long hours imposed on workers in the province.’”
The Nova Scotia Advocate, November 18, 2019: Lisa Cameron: In Nova Scotia you must work 48 hours before overtime kicks in,” by Lisa Cameron
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. August 1, 2019: “A Rising Tide to Lift All Boats,” by Rebecca Casey (134 pages, PDF)
Nova Scotia, Canada: Overtime Pay
















