How vacation pay works in Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador sets its vacation pay and vacation time minimums in the Labour Standards Act.
Newfoundland and Labrador sets its vacation pay and vacation time minimums in the Labour Standards Act. Every employee starts earning vacation pay from their first days of work, at a minimum rate of 4% of gross wages for 2 weeks of vacation time per year.
That minimum rises once, to 6% and 3 weeks a year, once you pass 15 years of completed, continuous employment with the same employer. Before that anniversary, the lower 4% rate applies; from that anniversary on, 6% applies to your vacationable earnings going forward.
Vacation pay is calculated on your vacationable earnings, not just your base salary - Vacation pay in Newfoundland and Labrador is calculated on your wages earned in the year of employment, as defined by the Labour Standards Act. See the official source (the statute itself) for exactly how overtime, bonuses and other pay are treated. Enter your actual gross earnings for the period in the calculator above, and it will apply Newfoundland and Labrador’s exact minimum automatically.
How Newfoundland and Labrador compares across Canada
Compare with a neighbouring province or territory
| Jurisdiction | Weeks | Percent | Threshold | Confidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal | 2 → 3 → 4 | 4% → 6% → 8% | 5 yrs, 10 yrs | High | Source |
| Alberta | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 5 yrs | High | Source |
| British Columbia | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 5 yrs | High | Source |
| Manitoba | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 5 yrs | High | Source |
| New Brunswick | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 8 yrs | Medium | Source |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 15 yrs | Medium | Source |
| Nova Scotia | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 8 yrs | Medium | Source |
| Nunavut | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 6 yrs | Medium | Source |
| Ontario | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 5 yrs | High | Source |
| Prince Edward Island | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 8 yrs | Medium | Source |
| Quebec | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 3 yrs | High | Source |
| Saskatchewan | 3 → 4 | 5.77% (3/52) → 7.69% (4/52) | 10 yrs | High | Source |
| Northwest Territories | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 5 yrs | Medium | Source |
| Yukon | 2 | 4% | - (flat, no increase) | Medium | Source |
Compare with a neighbouring province or territory
Newfoundland and Labrador FAQ
What is the minimum vacation pay percentage in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Under Labour Standards Act, vacation pay starts at a minimum of 4% of your gross wages, equal to 2 weeks of vacation time, from your first year of employment. Newfoundland and Labrador has by far the longest wait for the higher tier in Canada: the jump to 3 weeks (6%) does not happen until 15 completed years of continuous employment, versus 5 to 8 years in most other provinces.
When does vacation pay in Newfoundland and Labrador increase to 6%?
It increases after 15 years of completed, continuous service, at which point the minimum rises to 6% of your gross wages and 3 weeks of vacation time under the Labour Standards Act.
How much vacation time do I get in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The Labour Standards Act sets a minimum of 2 weeks then 3 weeks, rising with years of completed service as shown in the calculator above. This is a floor, not a cap - your employer’s policy or employment contract can always offer more than the legal minimum, but not less.
What counts as vacationable earnings in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Vacation pay in Newfoundland and Labrador is calculated on your wages earned in the year of employment, as defined by the Labour Standards Act. See the official source (the statute itself) for exactly how overtime, bonuses and other pay are treated.
Is vacation pay paid out if I quit or am terminated in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes. Any vacation pay you have earned but have not yet been paid must be included in your final pay when your employment with an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador ends, whether you resign, are laid off, or are terminated. Check the official source above for the exact number of days your employer has to issue that final payment.
Does Newfoundland and Labrador’s vacation pay rule apply to part-time employees?
Yes. Because vacation pay is a percentage of the wages you actually earned rather than a fixed weekly amount, part-time, casual and seasonal employees in Newfoundland and Labrador earn it in proportion to their pay, on the same percentage schedule as full-time employees.