Work-Sharing – How to Apply

Quick checklist

• Download and complete EMP5100 (Work‑Sharing application) and EMP5101 (Work‑Sharing unit Attachment A).
• Ensure employer has experienced a minimum 10% reduction in business activity in last 6 months and determine the percentage reduction in hours (10%–60%).
• Pick requested start date (must start on a Sunday) — start date no later than 60 calendar days after application.
• Submit the complete package by email to your Regional Work‑Sharing Unit at least 10 business days before the requested start date.
• Prepare supporting documentation (sales, production, payroll) to demonstrate the decline and the recovery measures you will take.

Detailed steps & information

Required forms

• EMP5100 — Work‑Sharing application form: the main application — complete all relevant boxes (1–36 and Part 4 amendment if needed) and the Attestations (Part 5).
• EMP5101 — Work‑Sharing unit Attachment A: detailed list of employees included in each Work‑Sharing unit (names, SINs, normal hours).

Timelines & scheduling

• Work‑Sharing agreements must be between 6 and 26 weeks (standard). (Special measures may modify durations in specific windows.)
• Requested start date must be a Sunday and no later than 60 calendar days after application submission.
• Submit applications at least 10 business days prior to the requested start date to allow processing.
• Amendments (Part 4) should be submitted at least 10 business days before the requested change and not implemented until approved.

Key data to include on EMP5100

• Box 1 — Type of application: new agreement or amendment (add/remove unit members, extensions, other changes).
• Boxes 4–19 — Employer & contact information: operating/legal name, CRA payroll account number, legal & mailing addresses, phone, email, website, names and contact details for employer, employee and union representatives.
• Box 20 — Business description: products/services offered and nature of the business.
• Box 21 — Unionized or non‑unionized: indicate status and list representatives.
• Box 22 — Total number of Work‑Sharing employees: include all employees proposed for the agreement and list multiple units separately if applicable.
• Box 24 — Events causing application: describe factors leading to the shortage of work and attach supporting documentation.
• Box 25 — Labour dispute/seasonal/restructuring: indicate if the shortage is due to a labour dispute, seasonal slowdown or restructuring (these may affect eligibility).
• Boxes 27–36 — Unit earnings, layoffs, hours & percent reduction: provide average weekly earnings, expected layoffs if WS is not approved, weeks of temporary layoff anticipated, number of participants, planned shutdowns (must not exceed 4 weeks), hours offered per week and percent reduction (min 10% — max 60%).

Attestations & supporting documentation

• Employer must attest they experienced at least a 10% reduction in business activity in the last 6 months; submit supporting documentation on request (sales, production figures, payroll records).
• Employer, employee rep and/or union rep confirm they have read and will comply with the Employment Insurance Act, its regulations, and Work‑Sharing program requirements.
• Provide any documentation needed by the Canada Employment Insurance Commission to verify the application.
• Deliberately providing false information may result in penalties under the Employment Insurance Act.

Submission & processing

• Send completed EMP5100 and EMP5101 by email to the Regional Work‑Sharing Unit specified on the government website.
• Include an email confirmation from each named representative agreeing to the application content and terms.
• Incomplete applications will delay Service Canada’s assessment — ensure all boxes are completed and attachments included.

Amendments

• To amend an existing agreement, complete the full EMP5100 and when adding/removing/substituting participants include a revised EMP5101.
• Describe the change in Box 37 and attach revised Attachment A with dates for each revision.
• Do not implement amendments until the employer receives confirmation of approval.

Application checklist

• Completed EMP5100 (all applicable boxes filled).
• Completed EMP5101 Attachment A with participant details.
• Contact details for employer, employee and union representatives; payroll admin info.
• Clear description of events causing the shortage of work and proposed recovery measures.
• Supporting documents (sales/production figures, payroll records) available upon request.
• Requested start date (Sunday) within 60 days and submitted at least 10 business days before start.
• Email addresses for submission and email confirmations from representatives.