Irving Companies: New Brunswick's Largest Employer
The Irving family of companies — J.D. Irving Limited, Irving Oil, and related businesses — collectively employ over 15,000 people in New Brunswick. They operate in forestry, oil refining, shipbuilding, transportation, and retail across the province.
Irving's Attendance Management
Irving companies are known for structured attendance management programs. While specific policies vary by division and union status, common elements include:
- Point-based attendance systems — Absences accumulate points; excessive points trigger progressive discipline
- Documentation requirements — Sick notes are typically required for absences of 2+ consecutive days
- Return-to-work meetings — After extended absences, employees meet with supervisors and sometimes occupational health
- Modified duty programs — Irving offers modified work for employees recovering from illness or injury
Your Legal Rights vs. Company Policy
It's important to understand the difference:
New Brunswick Employment Standards Act (minimum):
- 5 unpaid sick days per year (after 90 days employment)
- Employer can request "reasonable evidence" for any absence
- Medical certificate can be required for 4+ day absences
Irving company policy (may exceed minimum):
- May require documentation for shorter absences
- May have specific forms or requirements
- Must still comply with NB Employment Standards as a floor
Union collective agreements (if applicable):
- Unifor, IBEW, and other unions represent many Irving workers
- Collective agreements may have different documentation thresholds
- Union stewards can advise on specific requirements
Getting a Sick Note for Irving
If you work for any Irving company and need a sick note, MedLetter provides:
- Same-day delivery — Critical for point-based attendance systems where late documentation may not be accepted
- $49 flat fee — No hidden costs
- Licensed physician — Meets all NB Employment Standards requirements
- Professional format — Includes physician name, license number, dates of absence, and confirmation of inability to work
Specific Irving Divisions
Irving Oil (Saint John Refinery):
- Shift workers on 12-hour rotations
- Strict safety-sensitive position requirements
- May require fitness-for-duty clearance for return
J.D. Irving (Forestry/Sawmills):
- Seasonal and year-round workers
- Rural locations with limited healthcare access
- Physical labour positions with injury risk
Irving Shipbuilding (Halifax):
- Technically in Nova Scotia but employs many NB commuters
- Federal shipbuilding contract with strict attendance requirements
- Safety-sensitive positions
Kent Building Supplies / Irving Retail:
- Part-time and full-time retail workers
- Less strict than industrial divisions
- Standard retail attendance policies
Key Takeaway
Irving's attendance policies are stricter than the legal minimum, which means you'll likely need sick notes more often than the Employment Standards Act requires. MedLetter provides fast, affordable documentation that meets both legal requirements and employer expectations — without the 3-hour walk-in clinic wait that could cost you another half-shift of wages.
Related: [NB Sick Leave Guide 2026](/blog/new-brunswick-sick-leave-guide-2026) | [Can Employer Require Sick Note NB](/blog/can-employer-require-sick-note-new-brunswick) | [Sick Note Cost NB 2026](/blog/sick-note-cost-new-brunswick-2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in New Brunswick?
Yes. Licensed physicians provide virtual consultations and issue valid sick notes for New Brunswick residents.
How many sick days do New Brunswick employees get?
New Brunswick provides unpaid sick leave under the Employment Standards Act. The specific entitlement depends on length of employment.
Will my New Brunswick employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. All New Brunswick employers must accept sick notes from licensed physicians, whether issued in person or through virtual care.
How fast can I get a sick note in New Brunswick?
Online services deliver most sick notes within 2-6 hours.