The Ontario government is proposing changes that would prevent employers from charging workers for required uniforms.
Under amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000, employers would be prohibited from requiring employees to pay for uniforms or deducting those costs from wages, except in limited cases. The change would apply to mandatory, employer-specific clothing such as branded or logo apparel that cannot reasonably be worn outside of work.
The province says the move is aimed at reducing out-of-pocket costs for workers, particularly in sectors like retail, hospitality, and food service, where uniforms are often required.
David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development says the cost shouldn’t fall on the employee
The province says the change would apply to required, employer-specific uniforms, including branded clothing that can’t be used outside of work, adding that the change would be part of a broader plan to support workers and strengthen Ontario’s economy.
