HRPA Member Survey finds New Workplace Legislation a Mixed Bag for Ontario Employers

Human Resources Professionals Association (CNW Group/Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA))

TORONTO, July 20, 2017 /CNW/ - The Human Resources Professionals Association ("HRPA") today released the results of a survey it conducted of its members to gather feedback and understand the impact of Bill 148 on large and small employers across Ontario.

The HRPA and its over 23,000 members recognize that the province's economy is dramatically different than it was even a few short years ago, and today the province finds itself at a turning point in workplace management. The Association has been actively engaged throughout the government's comprehensive review, put forward a series of recommendations and was encouraged by the introduction of proposed reforms.

The survey of 1,101 members found strong support for a number of proposed reforms, as well as concern regarding several aspects of the draft legislation.

The policy proposals that were found to have broad support from respondents involved changes to the Employment Standards Act. These included:

• 75.4% support for changes being made to the equal pay for equal work section.
• 88.7% support for changes being made to the classification section.
• 86% support changes being made to the vacation section.

Respondents also expressed concern, however, regarding a number the government's other proposals, including:

• 61.2% of respondents indicated members' employers will need to cut back on employee benefits being offered, cut employee hours, or lay off employees completely in order to comply with the minimum wage increase.
• 74.5% of respondents do not support the changes being made to the union certification section of the Labour Standards Act.
• 48% of respondents stated they would most likely decrease the use of casual, part-time, and seasonal employees as a result of having to pay equal wages.

Last year the HRPA called on the government to establish a "new deal" for Ontario employers and workers. According to the Association's survey that was released today, many policy proposals will potentially do just that. Yet, Human Resources Professionals who responded to the survey also expressed concerns that a number of the policy changes could negatively impact Ontario's ability to compete in the global economy.

About the HRPA
Through an Act of the Ontario Legislature, the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) regulates the professional HR practice of its more than 23,000 members in Ontario, across Canada and around the world.  HRPA connects members with an unmatched range of HR information, resources, events, professional development and networking opportunities. On an annual basis, HRPA hosts Canada's largest HR conference and trade show. HRPA issues three levels of professional certification: the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation for practitioners entering the profession and working in administrative capacities; the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), for practitioners working in fully professional capacities; and the Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE), for senior executives.

SOURCE Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA)

Please contact Liz Bernier, HRPA Communications Specialist, at 416.923.2324 x324 or at [email protected].

Related Links

www.hrpa.ca