Managing the Three-Hour Minimum Rule

In accordance with the Alberta Employment Standards Code, employees working less than three consecutive hours are entitled to at least three hours pay at the Alberta minimum wage rate. 

To maintain compliance with this employment code, the Time and Labour Services team in Shared Services will begin monitoring instances that do not meet the minimum three-hour rule, since April 1, 2024. If the team identifies time entries that do not meet the three-hour minimum, they will contact the employee and supervisor to confirm details and provide instructions on adjustments as required. 

If there are any entries before April 1, 2024, that were processed incorrectly and require adjustment, please submit a timesheet to Shared Services for correction. 

Exceptions to the three-hour minimum rule: 

• • • Employee availability - If an employee is not available to work the full three hours, employers are only required to pay for the actual hours worked. In these cases, a comment on the employee’s timesheet (preferably by the employee) is required stating that hours worked were based on the employee’s availability. Adding this comment eliminates the need for further follow up with supervisors or employees.
    • Total amount earned is equal to or greater than $45 - If an employee works fewer than three hours but their earnings (hourly rate x hours worked) is greater than the equivalent of three hours at the minimum wage (i.e., $45), then the actual earnings are paid instead of the three-hour minimum.

For additional information, refer to the Quick Reference Guide. 

Questions? Contact the Staff Service Centre.