Work + Business

The main law in British Columbia setting out the rights of workers is called the Employment Standards Act. Most (but not all) workers in the province are protected under this law. Learn if you’re covered.

Gone is the 9-5 for 35 years and then retirement. These days, people have several jobs, hobbies and side-hustles.

Starting a new job? Take the time to read any employment contract put before you. We walk you through what to watch for in your contract, and how to protect yourself.

As a worker, you have responsibilities that include doing the work you were hired to do and being loyal to your employer. But you don’t have to follow instructions that are unreasonable or unlawful. Learn your rights and options if your employer asks you to do something concerning.

People expect to have some privacy at work. At the same time, an employer needs to know what’s going on in their workplace. There’s a delicate balance in play. Learn your privacy rights at work.

If you’re treated badly or unfairly based on a part of your identity that is protected under human rights law (such as age or sex or religion), this is called discrimination. Learn your rights and options if someone discriminates against you in the workplace.

The requirements of a workplace can affect different workers differently. When a protected personal characteristic is involved (such as age or religion or disability), employers must do what they can to accommodate these differences. This is called the duty to accommodate.

Harassment is conduct a reasonable person would consider objectionable or unwelcome. Learn your rights when harassment involves conduct of a sexual nature, as well as options if you’re sexually harassed.

Farm workers are covered by most sections of the main provincial law that protects workers in BC. But there are exceptions. Learn how they affect the rights of farm workers.

You’re entitled to be paid for the work you do in your job. If your employer is withholding your pay, or has paid you the wrong amount, you have options on how to work out the problem.