Labour Day 2025 in Ontario: Stat Holiday Pay and Employee Rights

Quick Facts: Labour Day 2025 in Ontario

• 📅 Date: Monday, September 1, 2025
• ✅ Stat Holiday: Yes – recognized under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA)
• 💰 Paid Day Off: Yes – Most non-unionized employees are entitled to public holiday pay
• 🕒 Working that day? You’re owed premium pay or a substitute day off
• ⚠️ Terminated before Labour Day? You may still be owed holiday pay and severance

What is Labour Day?

Labour Day is a Canadian public holiday celebrated on the first Monday of September. It honours workers’ contributions to society and marks the unofficial end of summer. In Ontario, Labour Day is recognized as a statutory holiday under the ESA, meaning most employees are entitled to a paid day off.

Parades, festivals, and family events are common as people enjoy the last long weekend before the fall season.

When is Labour Day in Ontario?

Canada Day in 2025 falls on Monday, September 1.

Here are upcoming dates:

Is Labour Day a Stat Holiday in Ontario?

Yes. Labour Day is a statutory holiday under Ontario’s ESA.

If you’re eligible, you’re entitled to one of the following:

• A paid day off, or
• Public holiday pay + 1.5x your regular pay if you work, or
• Regular pay + a substitute day off (taken within 3 months or 12 months by written agreement)

Who Gets Labour Day Off in Ontario?

You’re likely entitled to the day off if you’re:

• A fullt-time or part-time employee
• Contract, temporary, or seasonal staff

This applies to both:

• Provincially regulated workers under the ESA
• Federally regulated employees under the Canada Labour Code

How to Qualify for Holiday Pay

You must:

• Work your last scheduled shift before, and
• First scheduled shift after Labour Day

This is known as the “Last and First Rule.” If you miss one without a valid excuse (like illness), you may not qualify.

How to Calculate Labour Day Pay in Ontario

Here’s the standard ESA formula:

If you work on Labour Day, your options are:

• Holiday pay + 1.5x wages, or
• Regular pay + a substitute day off with pay

Can My Employer Deny Me Labour Day Off?

If you’re eligible and your employer refuses to recognize the holiday, that’s a violation of the ESA.

Fired Near Labour Day?

If you were fired without cause before or just after Labour Day, you may still be owed public holiday pay and a full severance package worth up to 24 months’ pay in Ontario.

Don’t sign any termination documents without speaking to an employment lawyer. Employers often use deadlines as pressure tactics.

Talk to an Ontario Employment Lawyer

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our Ontario employment lawyers have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized employees protect their rights and compensation.

We can assist with:

• Severance pay
• Wrongful dismissal
• Employment contracts
• Dismissal for cause

Our lawyers can review your situation and make sure your rights – and your pay – are fully protected.

Call 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation to get the compensation you’re owed.

❓ Labour Day FAQ for Ontario Employees

Is Labour Day a stat holiday in Ontario?

Yes. Labour Day is a statutory holiday under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA). Most employees are entitled to the day off with public holiday pay.

Do I get paid for Labour Day if I don’t work?

Yes, as long as you meet the ESA’s eligibility rules — including working your last scheduled shift before and first scheduled shift after the holiday. This is known as the “Last and First Rule.”

What if I work on Labour Day in Ontario?

You’re owed one of the following:

• Public holiday pay plus 1.5x your regular pay for hours worked, or
• Regular pay plus a substitute day off with public holiday pay

Your employer must follow this, even if you’re part-time or temporary.

Do part-time or contract workers get Labour Day pay?

Yes – part-time, temporary, and contract workers are covered under the ESA if they meet eligibility rules. Your status doesn’t affect your right to stat holiday pay.

Can my employer force me to work on Labour Day?

Only in certain industries (e.g., healthcare, retail, emergency services). Even then, you must be properly compensated under the ESA — either through premium pay or a substitute holiday.

What if I’m terminated just before Labour Day?

You may still be entitled to:

• Public holiday pay, and
• A full severance package, which could be worth up to 24 months’ pay?

Speak to an employment lawyer before signing any severance offer or release.