More than one in four people in British Columbia was born overseas. While many of them have lived in Canada for a long time, and are either permanent residents or citizens, thousands of newcomers still arrive in BC every year.
We want everyone who works in this province, whether they’ve been here for decades or just stepped off a plane, to feel protected and supported at work. If you’re new here, especially if you’re on a temporary work permit, this is our guide to your rights and responsibilities while working in BC.
Table of Contents
How does my work permit type affect the jobs I can do?
Your work permit document issued by the Canadian Border Services Agency should set out which types of jobs you are (and are not) allowed to do. Details for some of the most common types of work permit are set out below.
Employer-Specific Work Permit
This is a temporary work permit which only allows you to work for one employer. If you wish to change jobs, you will need to apply for another permit.
International Experience Canada – Working Holiday
This is a time-limited open work permit issued to younger citizens of a range of countries, mostly in Europe and typically for either 12 or 24 months. This visa is typically only available to those under 35 (or for some countries, under 30). This allows you to work in most jobs, with the following exceptions:
- You cannot work in education.
- You cannot work in the sex industry.
How often do I get paid in BC?
You must be paid at least twice a month, with no more than 16 days between two pay periods. This is the most common frequency of payment in BC, but some jobs pay you more frequently.
Exactly when your payday falls may vary depending on your job. Some employers issue pay on a monthly schedule (e.g. the middle and last day of the month) while others issue pay on the same day every two weeks. If you are not sure, you should check your contract when offered a job.
It is legal to pay employees by cash, cheque, or direct deposit into your bank account. If you work on a farm, payment must be made directly to your bank account.
Can I join a union on a temporary work permit?
Under the BC Labour Code and the Canadian Labour Code, you have a legal right to join a union regardless of your immigration status. It is illegal for your employer to fire you, or otherwise punish or threaten you, for starting a union at your workplace.
Generally, unionised workers enjoy higher pay, more expansive benefits and greater job security than non-unionised workers.
Around one third of workers in BC are represented by a union. Approximately 28,000 of them are members of UFCW 1518, which represents workers in grocery and retail, the food industry, community health and home support, and the cannabis industry. If you work in those industries and want to find out more about joining a union, you can contact us today.
In Canada, you have a legal right to join a union, and your employer cannot take action against you for being part of a union. If you are on a visa, being part of a union will not affect your immigration status.
You may already be part of a union if your job is at a unionised workplace – such as Save-On-Foods, Safeway, or most public sector jobs (such as working for Canada Post, Translink or the BC Government).
When are public holidays in BC?
Public holidays in BC fall throughout the year and are frequently referred to as statutory holidays or “stats”. Below is the current list of public holidays, with their corresponding date for 2024:
| New Year’s Day | Monday, January 1 |
| Family Day | Monday, February 19 |
| Good Friday | Friday, March 29 |
| Victoria Day | Monday, May 20 |
| Canada Day | Monday, July 1 |
| B.C. Day | Monday, August 5 |
| Labour Day | Monday, September 2 |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Monday, September 30 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Monday, October 14 |
| Remembrance Day | Monday, November 11 |
| Christmas Day | Wednesday, December 25 |
In addition to this, many employers offer Easter Monday (the Monday following Good Friday) and Boxing Day (December 26th) as holidays, although this is not mandatory or universal. Many union contracts include these extra holidays, so remember to check your contract closely.
Not all businesses close on public holidays, and depending on your job you may still have to work – but in most cases you will be entitled to additional pay if required to work on a statutory holiday.
How much vacation do I get in BC?
By law, you will be entitled to two weeks of paid vacation per year after your first year in your job. After five years, you will be legally entitled to three weeks.
Many workplaces offer more than this, and vacations are a key bargaining position during union negotiations. You should consult your contract to find out more about your vacation entitlement.
What are the overtime rules in BC?
Daily Overtime
If you are required to work more than eight hours in a row, you will be paid 150% of your hourly rate for each additional hour that you work (this is referred to as “time and a half”). If your shift extends beyond twelve hours, you will be paid double time (200% of normal rate) for each hour.
Example:
- You are paid $20 per hour and work a 14-hour shift.
- You will be paid for eight hours at your normal rate ($160) for the first eight hours.
- For the next four hours, you will be paid at time and a half ($120).
- For the final two hours you will be paid at double time ($80).
- Your total pay will be $360.
These rules apply regardless of how many hours you have worked in a week.
Weekly Overtime
If you are required to work more than 40 hours in a week, you are entitled to time and a half for each additional hour worked, even if you have not worked more than eight hours on any individual day. These rules overlap with daily overtime rules.
Example 1:
- You are paid $20 per hour and work six shifts in a week, each of seven hours.
- You will be paid at your normal rate for the first 40 hours ($800)
- You will be paid at time and a half for the final two hours ($60).
- Your total pay will be $860.
Example 2:
- In a week you work two 14 hour shifts and two seven hour shifts.
- The first two shifts will be paid according to the Daily Overtime rules set out above. Your pay for those shifts will be $720.
- Your third shift of seven hours will be paid at your normal rate ($140).
- The fourth shift will be paid at your normal rate for the first five hours ($100).
- The last two hours take you over the 40 hour threshold, so are paid at time and a half ($60).
- Your total pay will be $1,020.
Rest Periods
You must be given at least 32 hours of rest in any one-week period. If you are required to work during this time, you will be paid at time and a half regardless of how many hours you have worked this week.
Example:
- You are paid $20 per hour and work a 4-hour shift for seven days in a row, a total of 28 hours.
- You will be paid at your normal rate for the first six shifts ($480).
- For the last shift, you will be paid at time and a half ($160).
- Your total pay will be $640.
If you work shifts of different lengths during this time, it is legal to pay you time and a half for the shortest shift.
Overtime on Public Holidays
If you work on a public holiday, overtime works differently. Normal overtime rules do not apply, but you earn time and a half in addition to your regular base pay.
Example:
- You are normally paid $20 per hour and work a 10-hour shift on a statutory holiday.
- You will be paid at your normal rate for the full shift ($200).
- You will also be paid at time and a half for the full shift ($300).
- Your total pay will be $500.
Overtime Banking
Instead of being paid overtime immediately, you can bank your overtime hours – this means that later on, you can take part of your overtime pay in a later pay period, take it as paid holiday, or be paid your overtime in full.
How many sick days do I get in BC?
If you have been in your job for at least 90 days, you are entitled to at least five days per year of paid sick leave. You are also entitled to three days of unpaid sick leave. Your employer might request that you provide proof of your illness or injury.
Many workplaces provide more sick leave than this, particularly unionized workplaces. Check your contract to confirm this.
How much Maternity/parental Leave do I get in BC?
If you are pregnant you are entitled to at least 17 weeks of unpaid Maternity Leave to have your baby. You must give your employer at least four weeks notice that you intend to take this leave.
After you have used this leave, both parents are entitled to 61 weeks of Shared Parental Leave, which must be taken immediately after maternity leave. This can be used entirely by one parent, or shared as you see fit. For example, one parent may take 41 weeks of parental leave while the other takes 20 weeks.
If you do not use your Maternity Leave, both parents are entitled to 62 weeks of shared unpaid leave as long as this is taken within 18 months of the child’s birth (78 weeks). This can also be used within 78 weeks of adopting a child,
There is no legal requirement to pay during parental or maternity leave, but many employers do offer this, and it is often a key bargaining issue in union negotiations. Check your contract to confirm if this is the case.
Claiming Employment Insurance Benefits
While taking either Maternity Leave or Shared Parental Leave, you may be entitled to claim Employment Insurance benefits.
If you are pregnant or have just given birth and are on Maternity Leave, you are entitled to up to 15 weeks of Maternity Benefits – up to 55% of your regular wages or $668 per week. This cannot be shared between parents.
After this period, you may apply for shared parental benefits. You have two options for these benefits, which can be shared between both parents. This decision will depend on how much money you need the benefit to provide, as well as how long you intend to take for parental leave.
Standard parental benefits pay you up to 55% of your regular wages, up to a maximum of $668 per week, for up to 40 weeks. One parent can only claim up to 35 weeks of this benefit. The other parent may then claim up to five weeks. If one parent takes less than 35 weeks, the other parent can claim more.
Extended parental benefits pay you up to 33% of your regular wages, up to a maximum of $401 per week, for up to 69 weeks. One parent can only claim up to 61 weeks of this benefit. The other parent may then claim up to eight weeks. If one parent takes less than 35 weeks, the other parent can claim more.
What do I do if I’m injured at work?
If you are injured at work and need medical attention, seek it immediately. Your employer has an obligation to provide first aid, and to provide transport to medical facilities if necessary.
WorkSafe BC is responsible for handling reports of injuries at work and for assessing claims for compensation following a workplace injury or illness. You should report your injury to them, and if you are in a unionized workplace, inform your shop steward, Health and Safety Committee representative, or union representative.
Workplace safety incidents can be reported to Worksafe BC using their toll-free phone lines:
604.276.3100 (Lower Mainland)
1.888.621.7233 (1.888.621.SAFE)
If you are a UFCW 1518 member and your compensation claim is denied by WorkSafe BC, we will provide legal support through your appeal process.
I’m worried my workplace is unsafe
You have a legal right to refuse to carry out work that is unsafe. For more information on refusing unsafe work, click here.
If your workplace has more than 20 employees, you are required to have a Health and Safety Committee to deal with Health and Safety concerns. At least half the members of this committee must be workers, not managers. You should report your concern to them, even if it does not seem urgent – a minor problem that goes unresolved may become more dangerous, or demonstrate an oversight that could cause a bigger problem.
Workplace safety incidents can also be reported to Worksafe BC, regardless of the size of your workplace, using their toll-free phone lines:
604.276.3100 (Lower Mainland)
1.888.621.7233 (1.888.621.SAFE)
I’ve got other questions
We know that the rules around work and employment in BC can be complicated, particularly if you’re new here. We’re happy to respond to enquiries you might have about how having a union at your workplace might be able to address any issues you have. You can contact us in confidence by filling in the following form, or emailing reception@ufcw1518.com, or by calling 1800-661-3708.