The latest inspection blitz targeted 103 workplaces with a history of non-compliance and just 28 had changed their ways
The Ministry of Labour has slammed employers that repeatedly breach employment law after its latest inspection blitz revealed the vast majority of organizations with a history of non-compliance have done little to change their ways.
In its most recent investigative sweep, the provincial agency targeted 103 workplaces across Ontario where two or more violations were discovered in the past three years – worryingly, just 28 were found to be fully compliant.
Dubbed the “zero-tolerance” blitz, the investigation focussed on sectors where precarious work is a growing issue – including gyms, maintenance and security services. Some of the most common violations were around excess hours of work, poor recordkeeping and incorrect public holiday or overtime pay.
“Employees deserve to be paid for the hours they work,” said Ministry of Labour spokesperson, Janet Deline. “We continue to be vigilant to ensure all working Ontarians receive their entitlements under the Employment Standards Act.”
The ministry confirmed it recovered $125,267 in unpaid entitlements to employees and said all employers complied with orders to pay. The organization also issued 42 fines ranging from $250 to about $300.
GoodLife Fitness was among the organizations targeted in the latest round after it was previously found to be in violation of several different workplace laws including poor record keeping and failure to post required information in the workplace.
This time, the fitness giant was berated for a number of breaches including improper deductions from wages, excess hours of work, and overtime pay violations.
GoodLife has since addressed the issues, insisting it took “immediate steps to rectify the matters.”
