What are my rights and responsibilities at work?

You have a whole range of rights as a young worker in Ontario. Here is a quick overview.

While the minimum wage rules are different for students under 18, young workers still have the same rights as any other employee in Ontario. In this article, you will find an overview of your rights and responsibilities at work. This information should help you understand what your employer is and isn't allowed to ask of you.

What are my rights at work?

As a worker, your rights are protected by the Employment Standards Act, 2000. The Act sets standards for employers, ensuring that all employees in Ontario are treated fairly. These standards regulate, among other things:

Although reading the Act in its entirety may seem overwhelming and difficult, it is still encouraged to familiarize yourself as much as possible with its contents. For example, you can look at the links above to get a general idea of the standards that protect you.

If something happens at work that doesn't seem acceptable to you, it's important to talk about it.

If there is a union in your workplace, you should contact your representative. Protecting employees is part of its mandate! A union is a professional association that brings together people working in the same profession. Its purpose is to defend the rights and interests of all the workers it represents.

If there is no union where you work, you can file a claim with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Learn more: When can I file a claim with the Ministry of Labour?

Also read: What are my rights if I get paid in cash for work? Scroll to the bottom to see where to get support if you think your workers’ rights are being violated.

What are my responsibilities at work?

As a worker, you also have responsibilities beyond your job description. You also have a general duty to look after your health and safety. This means that you cannot behave in a way that would risk your safety or other workers' safety.

For more information

Young workers' rights - From the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development website.
Your Rights at Work - A clear, easy-to-understand resource that answers the most common questions about workers' rights. Prepared by CLEO - Community Legal Education Ontario.
Occupational health and safety regional offices - Find contact information for the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s health and safety regional offices.