How much vacation and vacation pay am I entitled to in Quebec?

General information, not advice. According to the CNESST, full-time and part-time workers are entitled to vacation every year and to a vacation indemnity ("vacation pay"). The length of vacation depends on your years of continuous service at the end of the reference year, which usually runs from May 1 to April 30. According to the CNESST table, this is a minimum: less than 1 year of service gives 1 day per full month (maximum of 2 weeks) and 4% of gross wages, 1 year to 3 years gives 2 continuous weeks and 4%, and from 3 years, 3 continuous weeks and 6%. The employer can offer more than this minimum.

Key facts

Length and indemnity by continuous service (legal minimum)

Less than 1 year: 1 day per full month of continuous service (maximum of 2 weeks), 4% of gross wages. 1 year to 3 years: 2 continuous weeks, 4%. 3 years: 3 continuous weeks, 6%. From the 4th year: 3 continuous weeks (or more at the employer's decision), 6%.

Reference year

A 12-month period during which vacation builds up. In most cases, May 1 to April 30.

Basis of calculation

The gross wages earned during the reference year (4% or 6%). The length of vacation is based on the years of continuous service at the end of the reference year.

Notice of vacation dates

The employer must inform each person of the authorized dates at least 4 weeks in advance.

Payment of vacation pay

In a single payment before leaving on vacation or on the regular pay covering the vacation period. For seasonal or intermittent activities, the employer can add the indemnity to every pay.

More than the minimum

An employer can decide to offer more than 3 weeks of vacation or grant different conditions, as long as they meet the basic standards of the law.

Steps

1. Find your company's reference year. In most cases it runs from May 1 to April 30, but the employer, a decree or a collective agreement can set other dates.
2. Count your years of continuous service at the end of the reference year. Continuous service keeps building up even during paid leave, leave without pay or a work accident, but it is interrupted by, among other things, a resignation, a dismissal, a layoff or the end of a fixed-term contract.
3. Compare your continuous service with the CNESST table (see the information below) to find the minimum length of your vacation and the percentage of the indemnity (4% or 6%).
4. Calculate the indemnity: it is based on the gross wages earned during the reference year. The CNESST offers online calculation tools for workers.
5. Take your vacation within the 12 months following the end of the reference year. The employer decides when the vacation takes place and must inform you individually of the authorized dates at least 4 weeks in advance.
6. Check when you receive your vacation pay: in a single payment before you leave on vacation, or on the regular pay covering the period of your vacation.
7. If you have more than one week of vacation, you can choose to split it into 2 periods or take it consecutively. To split it into more than 2 periods, you need your employer's agreement.
8. If your situation is particular (collective agreement, decree, extended absence, seasonal activities), read the official CNESST page or contact the CNESST.

General information drawn from official sources. It does not replace legal, medical or financial advice. For your situation, contact the organization concerned or a professional.