Department of Community Services

Fair Wage Schedule

The following questions and answers are for information purposes only. For actual interpretation and application purposes refer to the Employment Standards Act and regulations, or contact an Employment Standards Officer.

  1. What is the Fair Wage Schedule?
  2. When must an employer pay employees the rates set out in the Fair Wage Schedule?
  3. Must the Fair Wage Schedule be posted?
  4. Are apprentices entitled to be paid according to the Fair Wage Schedule?
  1. What is the Fair Wage Schedule? 
    The Fair Wage Schedule (O.I.C. 2005/193) [102KB ] sets the wage rates (by category, class and job title) that can be paid to persons working on a contract for a public work of the Yukon.
    A review of the Fair Wage Schedule by the Employment Standards Board must take place at least once every three (3) years. Regular reviews of the schedule will ensure that the wage rates found in the Fair Wage Schedule accurately reflect market values of construction wages.

    Annual adjustments to the Fair Wage Schedule come into effect every year on April 1st, and are based on the previous year's Consumer Price Index (CPI). These adjustments must be paid to all employees working on existing and upcoming construction contracts with the government.

  2. When must an employer pay employees the rates set out in the Fair Wage Schedule?
    An employer who has a construction contract with the Government of the Yukon must pay employees who work on the public work the wage rate applicable to the work performed. The act defines what types of projects are covered by the Fair Wage Schedule.

    Sub-contractors who are employing employees on such contracts are also required to pay the Fair Wage Schedule.

    If a contractor or sub-contractor is unsure whether their contract is for a public work of the Yukon Territory, they should check with an Employment Standards Officer or with Contract Administration.

  3. Must the Fair Wage Schedule be posted?
    A contractor or subcontractor must post, and keep posted, a copy of the Fair Wage Schedule in a place on the work site where it will come to the employee's attention.

  4. Are apprentices entitled to be paid according to the Fair Wage Schedule?
    A registered apprentice working in a Category A occupation can be paid the appropriate percentage of the wage rate for that trade as specified in the Apprentice Training Act, RSY 1986 c.6. If a Category A occupation is not identified in the Yukon Apprentice Training Act, an employee can be paid an apprentice rate provided the employee is engaged in activities at the same level and in circumstances similar to those of a registered apprentice. The parties in this case must determine the skill level of the employee and pay them the applicable percentage set out in the Apprentice Training Act.

    "Circumstances similar to those of a registered apprentice" means the employee must be working with a journeyman or qualified tradesman on a one-on-one basis. There cannot be 10 "non-registered" apprentices and 1 tradesman.