For British Columbia workers who are concerned about their working conditions, a labour union can be an important tool. Currently, under the British Columbia Labour relations Code in order for a union to be certified, at least 45 percent of workers are required to...
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Labour And Employment Law
Workplace investigation procedures in British Columbia
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | Jan 21, 2022 | Labour And Employment Law
When near-misses or specific incidents occur in British Columbia workplaces, employers must carry out investigations according to the procedures prescribed by WorkSafeBC. Workplace investigations involve four stages. Incidents requiring investigations include...
Employers’ duty to protect workers from workplace violence
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | Oct 5, 2021 | Labour And Employment Law
It is generally accepted that violence in the workplace is “as deviant and unacceptable behaviour ... as it is in the community at large.”[1] The heightened vigilance in respect of violence in the workplace is also apparent in provisions of the British Columbia Workrs...
Workplace violence is not restricted to physical assault
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | Jan 27, 2021 | Labour And Employment Law
Studies indicate that violence in any workplace is a matter of significant concern across Canada, including British Columbia. Many employers and employees associate violence with physical assault, but it includes other acts such as threats, abuse and intimidation....
Employment law protects British Columbia workers against bullying
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | Jan 8, 2021 | Labour And Employment Law
Bullying is not restricted to schoolyards. Although employees are protected under employment law, the number of British Columbia workers who are victims of workplace bullying is concerning. Victims typically suffer psychologically, even if they experience no physical...
When can employees claim payment for travel time?
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | Nov 26, 2020 | Labour And Employment Law
It is not uncommon for disputes to arise about employees' eligibility for payment for travel time. Employment law regarding travel time can be complicated. Therefore, British Columbia employers are advised to draft a company policy that includes information about...
Federally regulated employees: When can a worker refuse to work overtime?
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | Jul 28, 2020 | Labour And Employment Law
Employees in British Columbia who are federally regulated under the Canada Labour Code may be unaware that, under specific circumstances, they may refuse to work overtime. What are those circumstances? Based on the Code, family responsibilities may be enough...
Occupational health and safety: The 3 main rights of British Columbia workers
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | Jul 14, 2020 | Labour And Employment Law
British Columbia workers have the right to safe work environments, but that's not all. Under occupational health and safety legislation across Canada -- as exemplified in BC's Workers' Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation -- three...
Are there human rights violations in your workplace?
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | May 6, 2020 | Labour And Employment Law
Workers should all have equal access to employment opportunities, and their human rights must be protected at all times. However, even when workplace equity exists, human rights problems may not be immediately evident. The British Columbia Human Rights...
Employment law mandates work hours and overtime
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | Apr 22, 2020 | Labour And Employment Law
Employers in British Columbia may schedule work hours as they see fit. They may draft schedules weeks in advance or on a daily basis. However, employment law prescribes the number of hours workers may work, the number of free hours they should have, and how they will...