Labour Day is celebrated annually on the first Monday of each September. For some, the day marks summer ending and school beginning, but the statutory holiday recognizes workers and the importance of unions. Historically, the day has included parades and speeches. Today, it’s often a day of rest or one spent with family.
Labour Day became an official holiday in Canada in 1894. Before this, workers joined forces protesting for nine-hour work days instead of 12. Despite not succeeding, the strike was impactful, as unions called for safer working conditions, fair wages, and working hours.
On the first official Labour Day in 1894, a parade was held in Winnipeg, with celebrations across Canada quickly taking place.
Today, the importance of unions is shared among many, still ensuring fair wages, safe work environments and sufficient work hours. Workers in unions are also part of the community, enhancing the local economy.
According to the Canadian Labour Congress, the minimum wage in British Columbia is $15.65 per hour. Workers are entitled to five paid sick days and three unpaid sick days. For federally regulated workplaces, the minimum wage is $15.55 per hour, with 10 paid sick days and five unpaid sick days.
However, according to the Employment Standards Act:
“Live-in camp leaders must be paid $125.06 per day; live-in home support workers must be paid $116.68 per day; and resident caretakers of apartment buildings containing nine to 60 suites must earn $937.82 per month, plus $37.58 for each unit, while resident caretakers of apartment buildings containing more than 60 suites must earn $3,194.43 per month. Prior to June 1, 2021, liquor servers were paid a lower “tipped minimum wage.” They must now be paid the standard minimum wage, plus gratuities.”
In B.C., standard working hours are eight hours a day and 40 hours a week. Overtime hours are paid at 1.5 or two times the rate of their regular pay. Time-and-a-half applies for hours worked over eight hours a day, up to 12 hours. This is even if the employee does not work more than 40 hours a week. Double time is earned for time worked over 12 hours in one day. Time-and-a-half is also made when hours succeed 40 hours, even if eight hours were not reached in a single day.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees has around 627,000 members across Canada, making it the largest in the country. These individuals work in education, health care, social services, public utilities, transportation, emergency services and municipalities.
READ MORE: Column: Labour Day is more than just a day off
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