What are my rights at work?
As an employee, you have employment rights. To know your rights, you can check out the Employment Standards Act. It has information about things like minimum wage and overtime. The Employment Standards Act gives the basic standards for workers in Ontario. The main sections it has are:
- Hours of Work
- Overtime
- Minimum Wage
- Vacation
- Public Holidays
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave
- Personal Emergency Leave
- Family Medical Leave
- Termination of Employment
It would take you a long time to read the entire act. It’s a good idea to become familiar with it. If something is happening at work, and you don’t feel good about it, talk to someone. If you have any questions, ask your boss. If they aren’t being helpful, contact the Young Worker Support Hotline (1-866-SAFE-JOB).
What are my responsibilities at work?
As an employee, you have rights. But you also have responsibilities. While you’re working, you should follow all safety rules, report any hazards and protect yourself. When you start a job, your boss should let you know what your duties are, either verbally or through a written job description. It is your responsibility to do those duties. You are responsible for doing the job you were hired to do.