PSAC BC's submission to the BC Ministry of Labour regarding modernizing the Employment Standards Act

The Employment Standards Act is important legislation that sets minimum standards for workplaces in B.C. However, it has been 15 years since any major changes were made to the Act and 25 years since government’s last comprehensive review. 

Workplaces have changed significantly in the last quarter-century. The introduction of new technology and mobile workplaces have changed how work gets done. The structure of work has changed, for example, with more part-time employment. The place of work has changed, with more people working remotely, from home or in virtual teams.

To reflect modern workplaces and to ensure that employment standards are evenly applied and enforced, the provincial Ministry of Labour is making changes to the Employment Standards Act. As part of this process the Ministry has sought feedback on six themes for potentially modernizing the Act.

Theme 1 – Increasing protection of child workers
Theme 2 – Transforming the Employment Standards Branch
Theme 3 – Supporting families through difficult times with job-protected leaves of absence
Theme 4 – Strengthening workers’ ability to recover wages/monies owed
Theme 5 – Clarifying hours of work and overtime standards
Theme 6 – Improving fairness for terminated workers

For more information and to provide your feedback, visit the BC government website. PSAC BC's submission is available below.