How Is Holiday Pay Calculated in Saskatchewan? A Complete Guide for Workers

Hey there, folks! It’s your Holiday Little Assistant here, ready to break down one of the most common questions I get from workers in Saskatchewan: how holiday pay actually gets calculated. Whether you’re flipping burgers, working retail, or clocking in at a factory, understanding your paycheck on stat holidays matters—so let’s dive in!

How Does Holiday Pay Work in Saskatchewan?

First things first: Saskatchewan’s Labour Standards Act guarantees paid public holidays (like Canada Day or Labour Day) for eligible employees. But here’s the kicker—not everyone qualifies. To get holiday pay, you must:

• Have worked for the same employer for at least 20 days in the 5 weeks before the holiday
• Have earned wages on at least 15 of those days (yep, even part-time shifts count!)
• Work your last scheduled shift before AND after the holiday (unless you had a legit excuse like illness)

If you tick all those boxes, congrats! You’re entitled to holiday pay. Now, let’s talk numbers.

The Nitty-Gritty: Calculating Your Holiday Pay

Saskatchewan uses a simple formula: your holiday pay is 5% of your wages from the 4 weeks before the holiday. Here’s what that looks like in real life:

1. Add up all the wages you earned in the 4 weeks leading up to the holiday (including commissions, bonuses, and overtime—yes, OT counts!).
2. Multiply that total by 0.05 (that’s your 5%).

Example: If you earned $2,000 in those 4 weeks, your holiday pay would be $100 ($2,000 x 0.05). Easy peasy!

What If You Work ON the Holiday?

Now, if your boss asks you to work on the actual holiday (say, serving pancakes on Thanksgiving), you get:

• Your regular wages for the hours worked plus
• A substitute day off with pay (scheduled within 30 days) OR another 5% holiday pay bump.

Pro tip: Many employers give both the holiday pay and premium wages (like time-and-a-half) for hours worked—but that’s extra gravy, not the law.

Common Questions About Saskatchewan Holiday Pay

Q: Do part-timers get holiday pay?

A: Absolutely! As long as you hit that 15-workday requirement, even 2-hour shifts count.

Q: What about casual or temp workers?

A: Sorry, no dice—unless you’ve been with the same employer consistently for those 20 days.

Q: Can my employer make me use vacation days for stats?

A: Nope! Holidays are separate from your vacay time.

Q: Are all public holidays paid the same?

A: Yep—whether it’s Christmas or Saskatchewan Day, the 5% rule applies.

Alright, let’s wrap this up! Whether you’re budgeting for the long weekend or just curious about your rights, knowing how holiday pay works ensures you get every penny you’re owed. And hey—if your paycheck looks skinny next stat holiday, don’t hesitate to reach out to Saskatchewan’s Labour Division. They’ve got your back!

Thanks for sticking with me, friends! Got more questions? Drop ’em in the comments or hit me up on social. Your Holiday Little Assistant is always here to help. 🎉