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Employment Law

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Related Guides

Use the resources below to find reputable information on employment (or labour) law, the branch of provincial and federal law that deals with the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers before, during, and after employment.

Employment Law Primers
Wikibook chapter on employment law with common questions and quick answers.
Information on legal problems at work, starting a business, and intellectual property. Audio versions are also available.
A compilation of reputable online resources relating to employment law. Can be subdivided by specific topic: employment insurance, getting fired or laid off, workers compensation, workers rights & safety, etc.

Rights and Responsibilities

In BC, the Employment Standards Act is the piece of legislation that sets the minimum standards for wages and working conditions in the majority of workplaces within British Columbia. For Government of Canada jobs as well as those in any federally regulated workplace (e.g., banks, telecommunications, air transportation, etc.), it is the Canada Labour Code that sets these standards.

Offers information about your rights and responsibilities as a worker, including what to expect once you’re hired, what happens if you’re fired or you leave your job, and how to deal with a problem at work.
Plain language guides to employment standards in British Columbia.
Detailed interpretations of each section of the BC Employment Standards Act.
Plain language guides to employment standards for federally regulated businesses, in BC or anywhere else in Canada.
Information on employment insurance benefits, including sickness benefits, maternity and parental benefits, caregiver benefits, and more.

Canadian Labour Law Reporter

331.0971 C73c

Comprehensive reference resource on employment law in Canada. Updated bi-weeekly.

Occupational Health and Safety
Administers workers' compensation and health and safety regulations in the province of British Columbia.
Canada's federal agency for promoting safe workplaces across the country.
Large collection of current safety regulations, policies, guidelines, and standards for British Columbia.

Handi-Guide to British Columbia's OH & S Regulation

363.11026 B8622h

Practical guide to following work safety rules.

Discrimination and Harrassment
Contains information on workplace bullying and harassment, including what workers, employers, and supervisors need to know and do, and where you can get help or more information.
Learn about your human rights as they pertain to employment in BC.
Cover Image for Avoiding Workplace Discrimination: A Guide for Employers and Employees

Avoiding Workplace Discrimination: A Guide for Employers and Employees

David Harris

331.133 H31a

2015

Step-by-step guide to ensure that employers and employees know how to steer clear of discriminatory practices.

Dispute Resolution Process
If you're unable to resolve a workplace dispute informally, you can lodge an official complaint here.
Mediates and adjudicates employment and labour relations matters related to unionized workplaces.
Makes judgements about human rights violations in BC. Includes information about filing a complaint.
Information on the process of appealing a workers' compensation decision.
Authoritative legal text on wrongful dismissal. Takes a look at various employee remedies, employer remedies, and litigation options.

Canadian Labour Arbitration

Donald J. M. Brown

331.8914 B87c3

Comprehensive reference resource on labour arbitration in Canada. Updated three times annually.

Relevant Legislation and Forms
British Columbia (provincial law). Governs workplace practices and conditions for the majority of employers and employees in BC.
Canada (federal law). Governs workplace practices and conditions for employers and employees in the Government of Canada as well as other federally regulated businesses.
British Columbia (provincial law).
British Columbia (provincial law).
British Columbia (provincial law). Governs unions and collective bargaining.
British Columbia (provincial regulation). Large collection of current safety regulations, policies, guidelines, and standards for British Columbia.

Useful Websites

Listing of people and organizations that offer help with matters of employment law.

Online manual updated annually to reflect new changes to federal and provincial law. See Chapter 6 for Human Rights, Chapter 7 for Workers' Compensation, Chapter 8 for Employment Insurance, and Chapter 9 for Employment Law.

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