Lesson 1: Income - Overtime

   Constructing Knowledge

Overtime is a labour standard protected by law. The basic overtime rate is a wage that is 1.5 times higher than the normal rate of pay. The basic overtime (defined by provincial law) is all hours worked in excess of:

  • 8 hours in a day, or
  • 44 hours in a week

Certain industries are exempt from the standard overtime laws. It is important to know how overtime is paid if you get a job that is paid hourly. Some companies will pay "double-time" for overtime hours worked, while others will pay overtime for any hours worked over 40 hours in a week. You may research overtime standards on the Government of Alberta website in the Human Services section.

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