Do employment standards apply to you?

Last updated on May 16, 2024

Not every work issue or type of work is related to B.C. employment standards.

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Not every work issue is related to employment standards

Workplace safety or injuries

Get advice about staying safe at work. Report a work-related injury, health or safety issue to WorkSafeBC.

Bullying or harassment

Get advice and resources to prevent and address workplace bullying or harassment.


Employment insurance or record of employment

Find out if you qualify, or get help with benefit payments or your record of employment (ROE).


Human rights or discrimination

Learn about the Human Rights Code, file a human rights complaint or search for a decision.


Tax documents

Get help with income taxes, payroll or tax information for individuals, businesses, charities, and trusts.


Small claims disputes

Resolve disputes involving goods and services, debts, insurance, property and construction.


Work permits and immigration

Find out if you're eligible to work temporarily in Canada and how to apply for a work permit.


Pay transparency laws

Learn about the Pay Transparency Act, pay history and pay secrecy, pay transparency reports, and where you can go for help.


Breaking the law

Report any criminal behaviour like theft or assault to the police. You can also get advice from a lawyer.


Support for forestry workers

Learn about programs to support forestry workers impacted by industry downturns in northern British Columbia.

Not every workplace or type of work is covered by B.C. employment standards

Several types of workplaces, workers and professions set their own standards or are federally-regulated.

Unionized workplaces

Unions have collective agreements that set workplace standards for their members.

Independent contractors

Self-employed workers are responsible for setting their own workplace standards.


Professionals

Some members of professional associations aren't covered by B.C. employment standards.


Specific regulations

Some sectors, industries or types of workers have specific regulations that only apply to them.


Excluded jobs

Workers performing specific types of duties or receiving certain benefits aren't covered by B.C. employment standards.


Other provinces and federal workplaces

Each province has its own employment standards. Federally regulated workplaces are covered by the Canada Labour Code.

What you can do

If you're having issues at work and you're not sure whether B.C. employment standards apply, find out what you can do: