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Work-Sharing (WS) is an adjustment program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer. The measure provides income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week while their employer recovers.
Work-Sharing 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 to share the available work over a specified period of time.
Notice
The Government of Canada introduced temporary special measures that extend the maximum duration of Work-Sharing agreements from 38 weeks to 76 weeks across Canada for those businesses affected by the downturn in business due to COVID-19 and for the forestry and steel and aluminum sector. Access the Work-Sharing temporary special measures page to find out if you are eligible.
The employer and the employees (and the union, if applicable) must agree to participate in a Work-Sharing agreement and must apply together. An application for a Work-Sharing agreement must be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the requested start date.
Before applying, please read all the information provided (including the Work-Sharing Applicant Guide) and discuss it with your employees.
For more information on the Work-Sharing program:
Information adapted from the Government of Canada