Employment
Find information on employment law published by non-profit organizations, the government, and legal professionals in BC. Each topic includes online guides and tools selected by our librarians.
In this section
Employment insurance & benefits
Learn about EI and benefits for parental leave, sick leave, and caregiver leave and for unemployed seasonal workers.
Employment standards & employee rights
You have certain rights as an employee, including the right to be paid on time and to a fair and respectful workplace.
Health & safety at work
Employers in BC are obligated to maintain a safe and healthy place to work.
Losing your job & wrongful dismissal
Dealing with job loss can be challenging, whether you’ve quit or were fired or laid off. Understanding your rights is crucial.
Workers’ compensation
Facing a workplace injury or illness is tough. Know your rights and get the support you need.
What can we help you find?
Legal help in BC
Find an Advocate
PovNet
An online tool to help you find a legal advocate and anti-poverty organizations that can help with issues related to family law, debt, welfare, housing, disability, human rights, employment & workers’ rights. The database includes women's shelters, settlement programs, and other community services. You can search by areas of advocacy or city.
Virtual Pro Bono Clinic (ask a mediator)
Mediate BC
Make an appointment to talk to a professional civil or family mediator and ask questions about mediation generally or about a specific conflict, including housing, workplace, family conflicts or business related issues. Mediators can help you determine if mediation is appropriate and discuss timelines, cost, and how to discuss going to mediation with the other party, among other topics.
Workers’ Advisers Office
Government of British Columbia
Provides workers and their dependents with free advice, assistance, and in some cases representation, to appeal WorkSafeBC decisions they disagree with. The service offers training, mentoring, and advice to union and other representatives helping injured workers with their disagreements with WorkSafeBC decisions.
Featured guides
Do Employment Standards Apply to You?
Government of British Columbia
Not every work issue or type of work falls under BC employment standards. Workplace safety, human rights, small claims, work permits, and pay transparency may require different resources or agencies. Some workplaces, like those that are unionized, have their own standards. Learn what to do if the standards don’t apply to your issue.
Essentials of Work & the Law
People’s Law School
This links to a publication that explains your rights and responsibilities as a worker. Topics include what to expect once you’re hired, and what happens if you’re fired or you leave your job. It also includes guidance on how to deal with a problem at work.
LSLAP Manual: Employment Law
Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter on employment law is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It provides an overview of the law relating to employment standards, wages and overtime, leaves of absence, termination of employment, and wrongful dismissal.
Find legal help
Discover free or low-cost services that can help you with employment law and any questions you may have.