Special measures for the Work-Sharing Program in response to the threat or potential realization of U.S. tariffs are in effect from March 7, 2025 until March 6, 2026. Further details regarding the special measures are posted on the Overview page under ‘Special measures‘. Please check the website regularly for updates.
The Work-Sharing Program helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when:
- there is a temporary decrease in the normal level of business activity, and
- the decrease is beyond the control of the employer
The agreement provides income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week while their employer recovers. All employees participating in the agreement must experience a minimum 10% reduction to their normal weekly earnings to comply with the terms of the agreement.
A Work-Sharing agreement is a three-party agreement involving employers, employees and Service Canada.
Employees on a Work-Sharing agreement must agree to:
- a reduced schedule of work, and
- share the available work equally over the term of the agreement
The employer and the employees involved (and the union, if applicable) must agree to participate in a Work-Sharing agreement. Then, the employer/employer representative, employee representative and, if applicable, the union representative apply to participate in a Work-Sharing agreement.
Click here to learn more about the program.