Should employees get paid more in a leap year?: Calgary employment lawyer discusses on CityNews

Interview Summary

While leap years ensure the seasons stay in sync, an extra day a year could mean a loss of wages for some. Employees who are paid hourly see a pay increase, however most salaried employees do not. Can salaried employees ask for an increase in compensation due to an extra work day? What are employer obligations, if any, regarding the leap year?

Karen Tereposky, an Alberta employment lawyer and Senior Associate at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, joined CityNews Calgary to discuss employee rights during a leap year.

Interview Notes

• Terms included in an employment contract: Tereposky urged employees unsure of their pay in a leap year to look at the terms of their employment contracts. “If you’re on a salary, unless you have something in your employment contract about a leap year you’re working an extra day for no extra money.”
  
• Negotiating for more pay: Employees are entitled to ask their employers for a pay increase. “Emphasize the minimal nature of the increase,” said Tereposky.

Related Resources

For further insights and discussions related to leap years and employee rights, explore the following resources:

• Are salaried employees owed extra pay in a leap year?
• Employment lawyer discusses leap year pay with The Globe and Mail