Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA) outlines who is -and isn’t- entitled to overtime pay. You might be surprised to learn that professional engineers are currently exempt. That means many engineers, particularly those early in their careers, can work well beyond the standard 44-hour work week without receiving any additional compensation.
Is this fair? Is it outdated? Should OSPE take a stance?
We’ve been asked whether OSPE has a position on this, and we want to hear what you think.
This issue touches on workplace fairness, compensation equity, and quality of life, especially for junior engineers who may feel pressure to take on excessive workloads without additional pay.
At the same time, some employers and senior professionals argue that the exemption reflects the unique, flexible, and often self-directed nature of engineering work. Others point to concerns about cost and administrative complexity.
In short, there’s no easy answer, but it’s a conversation worth having.
We’re exploring whether this is a policy area where OSPE should engage more deeply. Could we play a role in:
- Advocating for more equitable treatment of early-career engineers?
- Exploring flexible models that balance fair compensation with professional autonomy?
- Shedding light on the realities of engineering workloads across different sectors?
If this resonates with you—or if you have strong views either way—we want to know.
Reply to advocacy@ospe.on.ca or join the conversation on social using the hashtag #EngineersAndEquity.
Together, we can shape a profession that values not just technical excellence, but the people behind it.
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