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Work‑Sharing – What You Need Before You Apply

Before applying to Canada’s Work-Sharing Program, employers and employees must prepare specific documents, assign representatives,
and define the Work-Sharing unit. This ensures the application is complete and all parties understand their responsibilities.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Appoint an employer representative with signing authority (cannot be part of the Work-Sharing unit).
  • Submit two forms: EMP5100 (Application) and EMP5101 (Work-Sharing Unit Attachment A).
  • Ensure all parties (employer, employee rep, and union rep if applicable) attest to the application.

Employee/Union Representative Responsibilities

  • Authorized to represent employees in the Work-Sharing unit.
  • Work with employer to complete application forms.
  • Ensure workers understand their roles and receive required documents (such as “Applying for EI Work-Sharing Benefits” and the Employee Annex).
  • Sign EMP5100 and EMP5101 to confirm employee agreement.

The Work-Sharing Unit

  • Must include employees with the same or similar work, or roles that interconnect.
  • All members must be able to reduce hours by the same percentage and share work fairly.
  • If work increases, extra hours must also be distributed equally among the unit.

More reading: EI Reporting Step by Step

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