When you get caught, and there was a good likelihood you are going to get caught, it’s going to cost you big time.” Former Employment Standards Branch employees say it is now a shadow of its former self. B.C.’s government says it wants to change that.

On Thursday, Labour Minister Harry Bains announced $11.9 million in new money for the branch over the next three years, part of a response to a backlog of cases that have left many employees waiting months or years for help.

Pamela Charron, exec director of the Worker’s Solidarity Network, said her organization routinely hears from workers who’ve been waiting one to two years just to resolve a complaint. The funding is a good first step, she says, but she wants deadlines.

Zak Vescera is The Tyee’s labour reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

https://thetyee.ca/News/2023/02/24/BC-Pledges-Big-Budget-Boost-Protect-Workers-Rights/