As students transition from university to high school they often look towards working as an opportunity to gain experience as well as a good source of funds for both university and personal use. This can be an important opportunity for youth, but the entrance into the workplace can mean that you’re exploited and deprived of rights that they’re entitled to. We’ve compiled a list of a few key rights that as of April 17th, 2019 that apply to all youth employed in Alberta.
Minimum wage: Currently all youth are guaranteed $15 dollars an hour - the same minimum wage as all other workers in Alberta. In order to ensure that you’re paid for your time making sure that you’re keeping track of your hours, keeping any evidence of clocking in and out and checking your hours on your paystub. Wage theft is incredibly common and can occur on purpose and by accident. In the United States, almost $50 billion is stolen annually in wage theft. That is comparable to the $14 billion stolen in all robberies, burglaries, larcenies, and motor vehicle thefts (Kosinski, 2017).
Breaks: All employees are entitled to a 30-minute break (paid or unpaid) for every 5 hours worked. This break can be split into two 15 minute breaks if agreed upon. This rule can be a little tricky where in some industries like restaurants it may be the norm to occasionally work without long term breaks, especially when it’s busy. What’s important to know is that you shouldn’t be hesitant to ask about when you’ll be able to go on a break and that you aren’t missing them often.
Three-hour minimum: All employees are entitled to three hours of minimum wage when they begin a shift. This applies even when you’re asked to end your shift before three hours. The exception to this rule is when you aren’t able to work the full three hours, you say you want to leave early when asked, or if you make above minimum wage.
Vacation pay: In Alberta, all “employees must be paid 4% or 2 weeks of their total wages as vacation pay until they have been employed for 5 years, after which they must receive at least 6%.” (Employment Standards Code changes. (n.d.)). For those getting paid by the hour this pay is often received in one large payment after it has accumulated.
Overtime: You’re entitled to overtime pay (1.5x your normal wage) on days that you’ve worked over 8 hours.
General holidays: When working on a general holiday, like Christmas, you’re entitled to 1.5x your wage rate for hours worked.
If you find that you’re rights are being violated you will probably be able to fix the problem by approaching the person responsible for your pay, or an HR department if applicable. This can be intimidating but it’s something that can be necessary for the workplace, after all, you are your only advocate. If the problem isn’t sorted out in your following pay periods you will likely want to bring the issue to someone higher up. You can bring the problem up to a regional manager if you work in a chain or file a complaint with the government of Alberta here: https://www.alberta.ca/file-employment-standards-complaint.aspx
By knowing your rights you're better able to be an advocate for yourself. You can find the complete list of employment standards here: http://www.qp.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=e09.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779783366&display=html. Remember that if you’re not getting the rights you’re entitled it’s important to bring the issue up and find a solution. Your coworkers and family can be a great source for how to proceed through issues and guiding you through the necessary procedures.
Happy working!
Works Consulted:
Employment Standards Code changes. (n.d.). Retrieved April 8, 2019, from https://www.alberta.ca/employment-standards-changes.aspx
Kosinski, M. (17, October 18). Wage Theft: Employers Steal Almost $50 Billion Annually From Workers. Retrieved April 8, 2019, from https://www.recruiter.com/i/wage-theft-employers-steal-almost-50-billion-annually-from-workers/