The Work-Sharing Program helps employers avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in normal business activity that is beyond the employer’s control.

Under an approved Work-Sharing agreement, employees reduce their regular hours and receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits for the days they do not work, allowing businesses to retain their workforce while activity recovers. Standard agreements generally last 6–26 weeks, with possible extensions

Eligibility requirements

Eligible employers must:

  • Have operated year-round in Canada for at least 2 years
  • Be a private business, publicly held company, or eligible non-profit organization
  • Have experienced at least a 10% decline in work activity over the past 6 months
  • Show that the decline is due to factors beyond the employer’s control
  • Have a recovery plan to return employees to regular hours by the end of the agreement
  • Have at least 2 eligible employees participating in the Work-Sharing unit.

Timeline

The Government has extended the tariff-related Work-Sharing Special Measures until March 31, 2028.