Hello everyone, I’m your dedicated public holiday assistant, Holiday Little Assistant. Recently, a friend reached out to me asking about how to calculate holiday pay in Ontario for 2018. If you’ve ever wondered how this works, you’re in the right place! Today, I’ll break it all down for you so you can understand exactly how your holiday pay is calculated. Let’s dive in!

Calculating holiday pay in Ontario can feel a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the rules, but don’t worry—it’s actually pretty straightforward once you know the basics. In Ontario, public holiday pay is designed to ensure that employees are compensated fairly when they take time off for statutory holidays. Whether you’re working full-time, part-time, or on a casual basis, the rules apply to everyone. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how it works.

What is Public Holiday Pay in Ontario?

Public holiday pay is the amount you’re entitled to receive for a statutory holiday in Ontario, even if you don’t work on that day. The idea is to give employees a chance to enjoy their time off without worrying about losing income. The amount you receive depends on your average daily earnings over a specific period, usually the four weeks leading up to the holiday. This means your holiday pay isn’t just a fixed number—it’s calculated based on your individual work schedule and earnings.

How to Calculate Holiday Pay in Ontario 2018

The formula for calculating holiday pay in Ontario is pretty simple. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Add up your wages earned in the four work weeks before the holiday.
2. Divide that total by 20. (Why 20? That’s the average number of workdays in four weeks if you work five days a week.)
3. The result is your public holiday pay.

For example, if you earned $2,000 in the four weeks before the holiday, your holiday pay would be $2,000 ÷ 20 = $100. That means you’d get $100 for the holiday, whether you work that day or not.

What If You Work on the Holiday?

If you choose to work on a public holiday, you’re entitled to more than just your regular holiday pay. In addition to your holiday pay, you’ll also earn premium pay for the hours you work on the holiday. Premium pay is usually 1.5 times your regular hourly wage. So, if you work eight hours on a holiday at $20/hour, you’d earn $240 (8 hours x $30/hour) plus your holiday pay. It’s a nice bonus for working on a day off!

Common Questions About Holiday Pay in Ontario

1. Do part-time employees get holiday pay?
Yes! Part-time employees are entitled to public holiday pay just like full-time employees. The calculation is the same—it’s based on your earnings in the four weeks before the holiday.

2. What if I’m on vacation during the holiday?
If you’re already on vacation during a public holiday, you’re still entitled to your holiday pay. It’s separate from your vacation pay, so don’t worry about missing out.

3. Can my employer refuse to pay holiday pay?
No, they can’t. Under Ontario labor laws, employers are required to pay public holiday pay to all eligible employees. If you think you’re not being paid correctly, you can contact the Ministry of Labor for assistance.

To sum it up, calculating holiday pay in Ontario is all about understanding your average earnings and applying the right formula. Whether you’re taking the day off or working through the holiday, you deserve to be compensated fairly. I hope this guide clears up any confusion and helps you feel more confident about your rights as an employee.

Faqpro Thank you for reading! I hope this article helped you fully understand how to calculate holiday pay in Ontario for 2018. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help!