Employment Standards

Workers in BC who don't have the benefit of working in a unionized workplace have the right to a minimum standard of working conditions. This set of standards is called the Employment Standards Act.

Due to the confusing nature of the Act and the inaccessibility of the Employment Standards Branch complaint process, the BCFED Young Workers created an organization to help those in need of assistance.

The Employee Action & Rights Network (EARN) can help you better understand the Employment Standards Act, help you file a claim for unpaid overtime, vacation, or being forced to pay for "dine and dash" instances.

To contact EARN call the BCFED at 604-430-1421 or ask your question online at http://www.earnbc.ca/get-help-at-work

Wide support for employment protections for app-based workers: poll

April 27, 2023
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) A poll conducted by Research Co. for the BC Federation of Labour shows overwhelming support among British Columbians for ensuring app-based gig workers receive basic employment protections.... more

Labour movement issues boycott, pulls millions of dollars in business from Hilton Metrotown and Pacific Gateway Hotels in support of workers

May 13, 2021
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC)  The BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) is calling on the public to boycott the Hilton Metrotown and Pacific Gateway Hotel as UNITE HERE Local 40 workers battle draconian layoffs and wage and benefit... more

BC workers should celebrate a remarkable year of progress

September 1, 2019
It might not be the chatter at your Labour Day BBQ, but make no mistake: 2019 was a remarkable year of progress for workers and their families in B.C. Let me explain. It starts with economic security. Tens of thousands of low-wage workers, the majority of whom are women, are now feeling the benefit... more

Wide support for employment protections for app-based workers: poll

April 27, 2023 | Employment Standards
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC) A poll conducted by Research Co. for the BC Federation of Labour shows overwhelming support among British Columbians for ensuring app-based gig workers receive basic employment protections.... more

Labour movement issues boycott, pulls millions of dollars in business from Hilton Metrotown and Pacific Gateway Hotels in support of workers

May 13, 2021 | Employment Standards
(Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Vancouver, BC)  The BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) is calling on the public to boycott the Hilton Metrotown and Pacific Gateway Hotel as UNITE HERE Local 40 workers battle draconian layoffs and wage and benefit... more

BC workers should celebrate a remarkable year of progress

September 1, 2019 | Employment Standards
It might not be the chatter at your Labour Day BBQ, but make no mistake: 2019 was a remarkable year of progress for workers and their families in B.C. Let me explain. It starts with economic security. Tens of thousands of low-wage workers, the majority of whom are women, are now feeling the benefit... more