Employment standards and workplace safety
Whether you’re an employee or an employer, it’s important to understand employment standards and to know where to go if you need help or advice.
- The Employment Standards Branch administers the Employment Standards Act, which ensures that employees in B.C. receive at least basic compensation and conditions of employment
- Employment Standards Tribunal can hear appeals on decisions made with regards to the Employment Standards Act
- WorkSafeBC works with affected employees that suffer from a work-related injury or disease with return-to-work rehabilitation, compensation, health care benefits and other services
- Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal hears appeals regarding decisions made by WorkSafeBC on compensation, rehabilitation and occupational health and safety
- Employers' Advisers Office provides advice and assistance to employers regarding workplace safety.
- The BC Labour Relations Board mediates and adjudicates employment and labour relations matters related to unionized workplaces
Employment standards
The law in B.C. sets standards for payment, compensation and working conditions in most workplaces. The standards promote open communication, fair treatment and work-life balance for employees. View a list of recent amendments made to the Employment Standards Act and Regulation.
Workers' Advisers Office Home
Operating independently of WorkSafeBC, the Workers' Advisers Office is a branch of the Ministry of Labour providing workers, their dependants and other stakeholders with free advice, assistance, representation, training and mentoring with respect to workers' compensation issues.
Paid sick leave
The vast majority of workers in B.C. no longer have to choose between going to work sick or losing wages, as B.C.'s first-ever permanent paid sick leave comes into effect with 5 paid sick days each year. Both full- and part-time employees are eligible for this benefit.
Gig Worker Engagement
B.C.’s employment laws should reflect the needs of modern workplaces. Government is consulting with gig workers, employers and other stakeholders, and engaging with Indigenous partners, to seek their input about the challenges they face and potential solutions.
