PwC to Pay Retroactive Overtime in Canada

PricewaterhouseCoopers has agreed to pay retroactive overtime compensation to some of its current and former employees in Canada.

PwC said it had reviewed its overtime practices and found that some employees who had been considered ineligible for paid overtime would now be eligible. However, only a small proportion of current and former employees are potentially affected.

According to spokesperson Carolyn Forest, the settlement only applies to Canadian employees and not to the U.S., where there has also been litigation against the Big Four firms

The firm is following in the footsteps of KPMG, which agreed in February to pay retroactive overtime in Canada (see KPMG to Pay Canadian Employees Overtime). PwC Canada said it had begun examining its overtime policy prior to the lawsuit being filed against KPMG, though. The process included a review of the overtime provisions in each province, as well as obtaining the advice of external professionals experienced in employment legislation.

PwC communicated to its current employees on March 11 about its new overtime policy, including its decision to pay retroactive overtime compensation to current and former employees. The firm is communicating with former employees through a combination of newspaper notices, a Web site, www.pwcovertime.com, and a direct mailing to selected former employees who may be eligible.