Employment law and the issue of extreme work hours are tricky. Employers can hire an employee and request that they work an extensive amount of time.  On the onset, this seems illegal and confusing for employees.  However, this scenario shows that there is a difference between what is ethical and what is legal. Is it legal for an employer to require an employee to work in excess of 100 hours a week, without time off?

Toronto Employment lawyer, Daniel Lublin explains that overwork is just that, overwork. By law, the request by an employer asking a manager to work long hours is not illegal. However, it is important for all employees to take into account their job title and whether or not their employment contract addresses overtime pay. Specifically, there are restrictions in an individual’s job title that determine whether or not you are entitled to overtime pay.

To read and understand more on this topic, follow Daniel Lublin’s article Our company’s work hours are extreme and his Globe and Mail column