What is a Fixed Term Worker?

Fixed-term workers are employees with a contract of employment which comes to an end: (i) on a specific date, (ii) upon completing a specific task, or (iii) on the occurrence of a specific event. Workers hired on a temporary basis to provide maternity leave cover, assist during a business’ peak season or to assist in a specific project are often engaged on a fixed-term basis.

This is in contrast to permanent workers employed under open-ended contracts, also known as contracts of indefinite duration. For these workers, the contract continues until the employee or employer chooses to terminate it.

Are there specific protections afforded to fixed-term workers?

A fixed-term