Tools and resources
If you face a legal issue related to your workplace, there is lots of information on the internet that can help, but it can be hard to know where to begin.
Here are some useful links to get started on your learning journey.
The information on this site is not legal advice. This site may not be updated regularly. If you need legal advice, please contact a lawyer.
Getting started
The information on this page is to help you understand where look for information about work-related legal issues. It is not legal advice.
If you need legal advice, Access Pro Bono has a lawyer referral service. This page contains links to online resources that can assist you. These links are for people in British Columbia, Canada.
Clicklaw is also a good place to find general legal information for BC residents, including information related to employment issues. Clicklaw is a service from Courthouse Libraries BC.
Federally related industries
If you work in a federally regulated industry, such as banking or radio, you may work under a different set of laws. In that case, you should start by reading this web page from the Canadian government.
Compensation and working conditions
Non-union employees
Legal standards and rights with respect to compensation and working conditions for non-union employees are set out in the Employment Standards Act.
Find helpful information about issues like overtime, vacation entitlement, and minimum wage on the BC Government’s employment standards page.
Unionized workplaces
Terms and conditions of employment for unionized workplaces are mostly set out in your collective agreement. Many collective agreements in BC are found on the BC Labour Relations Board website.
Disputes
Disputes between unions and employers are sometimes litigated through arbitration. Many BC arbitrations are collected on the Canadian Legal Information Institute website.
Disputes over unfair union representation, collective bargaining, and bargaining unit representation rights can be found on the BC Labour Relations Board website.
Health and safety
Health and safety promotion, accident prevention and workplace injury claims are overseen by WorkSafeBC.
Harassment
Harassment prevention and investigation in the workplace is addressed under these WorkSafeBC policies.
Human Rights
Human rights in the workplace, such as the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of race or gender identity, are protected under the Human Rights Code. The Code applies to all workplaces, whether or not they are unionized.
The Human Rights Tribunal adjudicates claims under the Human Rights Code. Find information on how to make a complaint or respond to a complaint:
Legal assistance may be available for people who face discrimination. See the Canadian Legal Assistance Society’s website for more information.
If you were sexually assaulted, you may be able to access free legal services. See the Community Legal Assistance Society’s website for more information.