Summary: Hours of Work & Breaks in Alberta
In Alberta, the Employment Standards Code (ESC) sets the baseline rules for how long you can work, when you must receive breaks, and how much rest you are entitled to between shifts.
Whether you are a full-time, part-time, or casual employee, your employer must adhere to these provincial standards. Failing to provide mandatory breaks or forcing employees to work excessive hours can result in legal liability and claims for unpaid wages or wrongful dismissal.
Know Your Limits. Protect Your Health.
Alberta’s work laws are designed to prevent worker burnout and ensure fair pay for every hour spent on the job. If your employer is ignoring these rules, our Alberta team is here to help you hold them accountable.
Navigate This Silo:
1. Daily Break Times and Meal Periods
Alberta law requires that employees receive at least one 30-minute break for every 5 hours of work. These can be paid or unpaid depending on your contract and whether you are required to remain on-call.
➡️ Learn more about: Break Times and Meal Periods in Alberta
2. Full-Time, Part-Time, and Minimum Shift Length
Are you considered part-time or full-time? While Alberta doesn’t have a strict hour count for these labels, it does have a 3-hour minimum pay rule for any shift you are called into perform.
➡️ Learn more about: Full-Time, Part-Time, and Shift Lengths
3. Maximum Hours and Rest Periods
There are limits to how long an employer can make you work. In Alberta, the standard maximum is 12 hours per day, and employees must receive at least 8 hours of rest between their shifts.
➡️ Learn more about: Maximum Hours and Days in a Row
4. Unpaid Training and On-Call Pay
If your training or staff meeting is mandatory, it must be paid. Many Alberta employers attempt to avoid paying for orientation or “on-call” time, which can lead to significant unpaid wage claims.
➡️ Learn more about: Unpaid Training and On-Call Pay Rules
Contact an Alberta Hours of Work Lawyer
The Alberta employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is dedicated to protecting workers’ rights. If your employer is violating hours of work laws, misclassifying your status, or withholding pay for mandatory training, we can help you recover what you are owed.