What is the Employment Standards Act? 

The Employment Standards Act outlines the minimum standards of employment that apply to most employers and employees in British Columbia. It is a provincial law administered by the Employment Standards Branch. The purpose of the Act is to establish the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees, as well as working conditions. 

An Overview of the Employment Standards Act for Employers 

In B.C.’s Employment Standards Act, non-union employers will find rules and regulations for managing the workplace. This involves meeting the minimum employment standards to which every employee is entitled. Employers can find rules about the following: 

  • Minimum Wage 
  • Minimum Daily Pay 
  • Meal Breaks 
  • Paydays and Payroll Records  
  • Averaging Agreements  
  • Hours of Work and Overtime 
  • Overtime Pay 
  • Statutory Holidays and Pay 
  • Annual Vacations and Vacation Pay 
  • Leaves of Absences – Sick Leave, Family Responsibility Leave, Maternity Leave, Parental Leave, etc.  
  • Employing Youth Under 15 

At the very least, you must provide the basic employment standards to your employees.  

Bill 6, Employment Standards Amendment Act, 2018 

On May 17, 2018, British Columbia passed Bill 6, the Employment Standards Amendment Act. Now in effect, the Act updates B.C.’s workplace legislation and establishes new employee rights for the following unpaid, job-protected leaves of absences: 

  • Pregnancy and Parental Leave 
  • Compassionate Care Leave 
  • Child Disappearance Leave 
  • Child Death Leave 

Is your employee handbook updated with B.C.’s new regulations? Having the right policies in place helps avoid confusion and provides full transparency with your employees. To ensure compliance, ask Employer Line to review your workplace policies.  

Receive Advice on B.C.’s Employment Standards Act 

For employers regulated by the Employment Standards Act, it is imperative to your business that you understand the provisions of the Act. This involves knowing what to do when you’re dealing with complaints. More than this, it comes down to prevention and being proactive. Call our dedicated employer advice line and speak with our HR experts anytime–1-888-219-8767.