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Statutory Holidays in Yukon: 2024 Guide
In Canada’s majestic northwest, Yukon is renowned for its rugged natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage. However, regarding statutory holidays, the territory’s regulations contain intricacies that can be challenging for employers and employees.
From key dates to eligibility rules, pay calculations, and leave interactions, this guide details everything employers and employees need to know about statutory holidays in Yukon 2024. Reference it to make informed decisions and ensure full regulatory compliance.
Yukon Statutory Holidays 2024: Mark Your Calendars
The Yukon Territory observes twelve statutory holidays annually, providing employees with paid time off to celebrate significant cultural and civic occasions. Below is a complete list of statutory holidays for 2024:
| Holiday | Date | Day |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Monday |
| Good Friday | March 29 | Friday |
| Victoria Day | May 20 | Monday |
| National Indigenous Peoples Day | June 21 | Friday |
| Canada Day | July 1 | Monday |
| Discovery Day | August 19 | Monday |
| Labour Day | September 2 | Monday |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | September 30 | Monday |
| Thanksgiving Day | October 14 | Monday |
| Remembrance Day | November 11 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Wednesday |
Determining Employee Eligibility for Statutory Holiday Pay in Yukon
Yukon’s Employment Standards Act outlines the following key criteria for statutory holiday pay eligibility:
The 30-Day Minimum Employment Requirement
To qualify for statutory holiday pay, employees must be employed for at least 30 calendar days before the holiday. This ensures new hires receive only temporary holiday pay.
The 30 days are calculated consecutively, including non-working days. Some employers may offer earlier holiday pay, but 30 days is the legal standard.
Mandatory Work Shifts Before and After the Holiday
Employees must work their scheduled shifts immediately before and after the statutory holiday, barring authorized absences.
For example, an employee scheduled to work the Friday before and Tuesday after a Monday holiday must fulfill both shifts to qualify for holiday pay. This deters improper extensions of time off.
Permitted Absences That Do Not Jeopardize Eligibility
Certain absences will not eliminate an employee’s statutory holiday pay eligibility. These include:
- Sick leave, especially when validated with a doctor’s note
- Pre-approved vacation time or leaves
- Bereavement leave
- Jury duty
- Other authorized absences
This accommodates legitimate needs without financially penalizing employees.
Working on Statutory Holidays in Yukon: Understanding Your Entitlements
While statutory holidays are intended to provide employees with paid time off, there are instances where employees may be required to work.
In such cases, the Yukon Employment Standards Act ensures fair compensation for working on a designated rest day.
Payment Options for Working on Statutory Holidays
The Act outlines two primary payment options for employees required to work on a statutory holiday:
Overtime Rate: Premium Pay for Holiday Work
One option is for employees to be paid at their applicable overtime rate for all hours worked on the statutory holiday.
The overtime rate is typically 1.5 times their regular hourly rate, as stipulated by the Yukon Employment Standards Act or their employment contract.
This premium pay compensates employees for working on a day designated for rest.
Regular Rate Plus a Day Off: Flexibility and Compensation
Alternatively, employees can be compensated at their regular pay rate for the hours worked on the statutory holiday and receive an additional day off instead of the holiday.
This day off can be added to the employee’s annual vacation time or scheduled at a mutually convenient time agreed upon by both the employee and employer.
This option provides flexibility for both parties while ensuring the employee receives appropriate compensation for working on the statutory holiday.
Entitlement Regardless of Length of Service
It’s crucial to remember that regardless of their length of service, all employees who work on a statutory holiday are entitled to both their general holiday pay and the applicable overtime rate for hours worked.
This provision ensures fair compensation for all employees required to work on a designated day of rest, regardless of their tenure with the company.
Pay Calculation Methods for Different Employee Types
Statutory holiday pay calculations vary based on the employee’s pay structure:
Hourly Employees
Employees paid hourly receive their standard hourly wage for the hours they would typically have worked that day. An employee working 8-hour shifts would receive 8 hours of statutory holiday pay.
Salaried Employees
Salaried employees receive their regular salary, even if the holiday falls within a pay period.
For example, a monthly salaried employee earning $4,000 would still receive $4,000 for that month containing the holiday.
Commission or Piece Work Employees
For commission or piece work, statutory holiday pay equals the employee’s average daily earnings, excluding overtime and bonuses.
If they earned $1,000 in the 5 working days before the holiday, the daily average would be $200.
Irregular Hours Employees
For irregular hours, statutory holiday pay is 10% of the employee’s total wages, including overtime, in the two weeks preceding the holiday week.
If they earned $1,500 in those two weeks, the holiday pay calculation would be 10% of $1,500 = $150.
Read more: Minimum Wage in Yukon
Employee Entitlements for Working Statutory Holidays
Some employees may need to work statutory holidays. Yukon’s Act protects these employees with the following fair compensation:
Overtime Pay
Employees can receive overtime pay (typically 1.5x regular wages) for all statutory holiday hours. This compensates for the missed designated day off.
Regular Pay Plus Substitute Day Off
Alternatively, the employee receives regular pay for holiday hours and a substitute day off later. This balances flexibility and compensation.
Importantly, all employees who work statutory holidays receive holiday pay and overtime or substitute time off regardless of length of service.
Non-Official Holiday Dates in Yukon
While culturally significant, the following dates are not official statutory holidays in Yukon:
- Heritage Day – February 23
- Easter Monday – April 1
- Boxing Day – December 26
Employers can choose to provide paid time off for these days through internal policies or contracts but are not legally mandated to do so.
Interactions Between Statutory Holidays and Vacation Time
Statutory holidays provide paid time off but generally do not factor into vacation accrual calculations since only days physically worked accrue vacation time. However, employment contracts may contain different provisions.
After one year of employment, Yukon employees are entitled to two weeks of vacation time based on 4% of gross wages accrued. The number of vacation days depends on the number of days actually worked.
Considerations for Other Types of Leave Around Statutory Holidays
Sick Leave
Employees on authorized sick leave typically receive statutory holiday pay, so illness does not limit holiday benefits. However, employment contracts may alter this provision.
Parental Leave
Parental leave interacts with statutory holidays based on factors like leave length, holiday timing, and contract terms. Consulting employment experts is recommended to understand entitlements fully.
Bereavement Leave
Bereavement leave policies may also impact statutory holiday pay eligibility and entitlements. Referring to company policies and employment contracts can provide clarification as needed.
Key Takeaways for Yukon Employers and Employees
Statutory holidays enable celebrations and time off in the Yukon while also raising logistical questions around compensation, staffing, and leaves.
This extensive guide provides detailed background to inform organizational and employee decisions and support regulatory compliance.
With planning and policy review, Yukon employers can smoothly navigate holidays to appreciate better the territory’s singular landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. Employees can also optimize their employee benefits by understanding eligibility conditions and pay calculations.
While we have covered surrounding statutory holidays in Yukon, each Canadian province and territory has its own set of public holiday legislation. Some key provincial statutory holiday references:
- Statutory Holidays in Nova Scotia
- Statutory Holidays in New Brunswick
- Statutory Holidays in British Columbia
Frequently Asked Questions: Statutory Holidays in Yukon
What are statutory holidays in Yukon?
Statutory holidays are designated days throughout the year recognized by the Yukon government as public holidays. These days hold cultural, civic, or religious significance, and employees are generally entitled to paid time off work on these days.
How many statutory holidays are there in Yukon?
Yukon observes twelve statutory holidays each year: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Canada Day, Discovery Day, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, and Christmas Day.
Do I get paid if I don't work on a statutory holiday in Yukon?
Generally, yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Yukon Employment Standards Act, you are entitled to receive statutory holiday pay for the designated holidays, even if you don't work on those days.
What are the eligibility criteria for statutory holiday pay in Yukon?
To be eligible for statutory holiday pay, you typically need to have been employed for at least 30 calendar days before the holiday and have worked your scheduled shifts immediately before and after the holiday, unless you have an authorized absence (e.g., sick leave, pre-approved vacation).
What if a statutory holiday falls on my day off?
If a statutory holiday falls on a day you wouldn't normally work, you are entitled to a substitute holiday on your next regularly scheduled working day. This ensures you receive the benefit of a paid day off for the statutory holiday.
How is statutory holiday pay calculated in Yukon?
The calculation of statutory holiday pay depends on your regular pay structure. Employees paid on a regular hourly rate receive their hourly rate for the number of hours they would typically work. Salaried employees receive their regular salary. Commission or piece-rate workers receive an average daily wage based on the previous week's earnings. Employees with irregular hours receive 10% of their total wages earned in the two weeks preceding the holiday.
Can I be asked to work on a statutory holiday?
Yes, there are circumstances where your employer may ask you to work on a statutory holiday. However, you must be compensated according to the Yukon Employment Standards Act, either at your overtime rate for all hours worked or at your regular rate plus a day off in lieu of the holiday.
What is the overtime rate for working on a statutory holiday in Yukon?
The overtime rate for working on a statutory holiday is typically 1.5 times your regular hourly rate, as stipulated by the Yukon Employment Standards Act or your employment contract.
Are there any days that are not statutory holidays but employers might offer paid time off for?
Yes, while not mandated by law, some employers might offer paid time off for days like Heritage Day, Easter Monday, or Boxing Day. These days are not officially recognized statutory holidays in Yukon but hold cultural or religious significance.