Basic 8/44 rule and written overtime agreements
Alberta Overtime and Banked-Time Rules Explained
Understand Alberta’s basic overtime threshold, how the greater daily-or-weekly result is selected and how banked time works.
Key point
The basic 8/44 rule treats overtime as hours over 8 in a day or 44 in a week, whichever total is greater. Cash overtime is at least 1.5 times the wage unless a valid written overtime agreement provides paid time off.
- Add daily hours over 8.
- Compare that result with total weekly hours over 44.
- Use the greater number, then apply cash or valid banked-time treatment.
The 8/44 comparison
An employee who works three 10-hour days has 6 daily overtime hours even though the week is below 44. An employee who works seven 7-hour days has 5 weekly overtime hours and no daily overtime; the weekly result controls.
Banked overtime
A written agreement may provide at least one paid hour off for each overtime hour. The time is normally used within six months of the pay period in which it was earned; unused time has payout rules.
Different thresholds and exemptions
Ambulance, trucking, oilwell servicing, firefighting and other listed work can have different thresholds. Managers, listed professionals and other roles may be exempt.
Related WageWise resources
Official sources
- Alberta: Overtime hours and overtime pay
- Alberta: Averaging arrangements
- Alberta: Employment standards exceptions
Rules can change and special occupations, agreements or facts can alter the result. Confirm the current official rule for the jurisdiction where the work is performed.