Manitoba Labour and Immigration reminds retailers and employees that most non-essential businesses are required to close until 1 p.m. on Nov. 11 to commemorate the contributions and sacrifices in wars, and the ongoing international military efforts of Canadians.
The Remembrance Day Act permits retail businesses to open, as long as they close between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
This legislation applies to retailers that sell or offer to sell goods and services; tradespeople or professional services; rental companies; and businesses charging admission to performances such as movies, concerts, theatre, exhibits and sports events.
The prohibition of work on Remembrance Day does not apply to workers such as:
- employees of hotels, restaurants and continuous operation businesses (excluding retail);
- police officers, firefighters and security officers;
- hospital, domestic, child-care and home-care employees;
- employees required to supply heating, gas, lighting, electrical or water services, or to provide emergency repairs for these services;
- employees providing transportation services for goods or passengers by railway, aircraft or motor vehicle;
- employees in care of perishable products or live animals, or in the farming industry;
- employees of registered brokers who conduct business for clients on stock exchanges outside Manitoba;
- commemorative or religious service providers; and
- employees of newspapers, telecommunication carriers, television or radio stations and cable television companies.
Employees working on Remembrance Day are entitled to one and a half times the regular rate of pay for all hours worked, but not less than half the normal working hours of a regular working day. Employees are entitled to a regular’s day pay or if their hours vary, five per cent of their gross earnings in the 28 days before Remembrance Day. Employees in retail establishments have the right to refuse work on Remembrance Day, as they do on Sundays, by providing 14 days notice.
For further information, visit www.manitoba.ca/labour/standards or call Manitoba Employment Standards at 204-945-3352 in Winnipeg or 1-800-821-4307 (toll-free).
