All workers in BC have rights and protections afforded to them under a variety of legislative language and negotiated settlements.
The WorkBC website is a great place to start if looking for your basic rights and entitlements here in this province; some of the topics you will find, and the links to direct you to specific information, can be found below:
- Human Rights Code – “Human Rights in BC, What you need to know”
- Employment Standard Act – BC Employment Standards website
- BC Labour Relations Code – A Guide to the Labour Relations Code in BC
- WorkSafe BC – Publications
- Bullying/Harassment – What is it and how can it be addressed? Resource tool kit
For CUPE 411 members you are also afforded additional rights and entitlements that have been reached as a result of negotiated settlements with both the provincial government and our employer. While we have been anxiously awaiting our July 1, 2019 Collective Agreement to be published, members can still view the old C.A. on-line and if you have questions regarding any new language please email unionoffice@cupe411.ca.
All workers in British Columbia have four basic Health and Safety rights:
- The Right to Know
- The Right to Participate
- The Right to Refuse
- The Right to NO Reprisal
Not only do employers have a legal obligation to tell workers of any hazards they may encounter in the workplace, workers have the right to participate in the decision making that impacts their health and safety in their workplaces. Just about all workers have the right to say “No” to dangerous work, and it is illegal for employers to punish workers who are following the OH&S laws in good faith; this includes reporting hazards, participating on a committee, and exercising the right to refuse dangerous work. No worker should ever fear punishment for exercising their right in protecting their health and safety.
Members that have questions or concerns regarding their workplaces are welcome to contact an Elected Union Representative for additional guidance and support.
In Solidarity