Employment

Workers in BC can get free help from the Employment Standards Branch for issues like wages, hours, and leaves. People’s Law School has plain language legal information. Access Pro Bono provides free legal clinics if you need advice. The BC Labour Relations Board can help with union-related matters.

Employees in BC are protected under the Employment Standards Act. Basic rights include minimum wage, overtime pay, statutory holidays, vacation time, and protection from retaliation if you enforce your rights. Employers must provide a safe workplace under WorkSafeBC rules, which includes a workplace free from bullying and harassment. Some workers, like managers or independent contractors, may be exempt from certain rights. Learn more at the Employment Standards Branch.

Yes, in most cases an employer can end your employment without cause, but they must give you proper written notice or severance pay. The length of notice depends on how long you’ve worked for the employer. In some cases, if you’re fired for misconduct, the employer may not owe you notice or pay. If you think you were wrongfully dismissed, you may need legal advice. Learn more here.

The amount of notice or severance pay depends on the Employment Standards Act and common law. Under the Act, you’re entitled to between 1 and 8 weeks of notice depending on your years of service. However, courts often award more under wrongful dismissal law. Your exact entitlement may vary, so legal advice is recommended. See People’s Law School article.

The minimum wage in B.C. is currently $17.85 per hour (as of June 1, 2025).. This applies to most workers, regardless of whether they are paid hourly, salary, or commission. There are some exceptions, such as live-in home support workers or farm workers, who may have different rules. Current rates are posted by the BC government.

Yes. In BC, overtime pay kicks in after 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Daily overtime (time-and-a-half) applies for hours over 8, and double time applies after 12 hours. Weekly overtime also pays time-and-a-half for hours over 40. Some employees, like managers, are exempt. Learn more here.

If your employer doesn’t pay you, first ask them in writing and keep a copy. If this doesn’t work, you can file a complaint with the Employment Standards Branch. They investigate and can order employers to pay wages owed. You must file your complaint within 6 months of the unpaid work. Learn more here.

Workplace harassment and bullying are not tolerated in BC. Employers are legally required to maintain a safe and respectful workplace under WorkSafeBC regulations. If you’re harassed, report it to your employer in writing. If they do not act, you can contact WorkSafeBC for support. Human rights-related harassment, like discrimination, can be addressed through the BC Human Rights Tribunal. If you are sexually harassed you can get free legal advice from the SHARP Workplaces clinic.

Independent contractors are not covered by the Employment Standards Act, but they do have rights under contract law. Sometimes, workers are misclassified as contractors when they are really employees. If you’re unsure, you can ask the Employment Standards Branch for guidance or get legal advice. See People’s Law School article.

If your employer breaks the law on wages, hours, or other rights, you can file a complaint with the Employment Standards Branch. Complaints can be filed online or at a Service BC office. The Branch will investigate and may order your employer to pay you. You must usually file your complaint within 6 months of the violation. Start here.