Employment Standards Legislation

Question 1

What are the two key features of the BC Employment Standards Act?

Answer 1

1. Creates a ‘floor of rights’ to provide minimum working conditions for employees not excluded by the Act
2. Employer and employee are free to negotiate a higher rate or benefit

Question 2

What is the “rationale” behind the Employment Standards Act?

Answer 2

The rationale is that many employees lack the bargaining power to negotiate acceptable working conditions on their own behalf.