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Wage and Hour law in Port Coquitlam, situated in the Canadian province of British Columbia, encompasses regulations pertaining to minimum wage, overtime, meal breaks, and record keeping. The law protects the rights of workers and ensures fair treatment in terms of earnings and working hours. Provincially, the Employment Standards Act is the fundamental statute that lays down the basic rules concerning wages and work hours.
Understanding and interpreting wage and hour law can be complex. You might need a lawyer in situations like disagreements about salary, overtime pay, unpaid wages, or if you believe you are unjustly treated by not receiving statutory holiday pay, meal breaks or annual vacation. Legal help might also be needed if you're incorrectly classified as an "independent contractor" where you should be classified as an "employee" qualifying for full legal entitlements.
In British Columbia, the current general minimum wage is $15.20 per hour. Overtime rate applies after 8 hours of work a day, or over 40 hours a week. The first 8 overtime hours must be compensated at a rate of 1.5 times the ordinary wage, with any additional overtime at double the regular wage. Earned vacation time is protected by law and employees have a right to an uninterrupted vacation, which is paid out at 4% (or 6% following five consecutive years of employment) of total earnings. Other specific rules apply for stat holiday and termination pay.
The current general minimum wage for British Columbia, which includes Port Coquitlam, is $15.20 per hour.
You are eligible for overtime pay if you work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. The first 8 overtime hours are compensated at a rate of 1.5 times the ordinary wage, with any more overtime paid at double the standard wage.
You are given the right to an uninterrupted vacation and are typically awarded 4% (or 6% after five consecutive years of employment) of your total wages as vacation pay.
No, the employer may not withhold your final paycheck. They are obliged by BC law to provide you with the final pay within 48 hours of termination.
If you believe your employer is not paying you at least the minimum wage, you can seek legal help or file a complaint with BC's Employment Standards Branch.
The primary source of information for employment standards in British Columbia is the provincial government's website. This offers resources on current minimum wage rates, overtime rules, vacation entitlements and other employment standards: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/. Those needing further assistance can contact the Employment Standards Branch to report violations or seek advice.
If you believe you are experiencing wage or hour discrepancies or violations at work, you should seek legal advice. Start by keeping records of your hours worked, wages, and any correspondence with your employer on these topics. Contact a lawyer specializing in employment law, or consider reaching out to the Employment Standards Branch. When seeking legal advice, make sure you are prepared with all relevant details to make it easier for the lawyer to understand and assist in your case.
