Labour Standards
There are laws and regulations in place to protect workers in this province. Federal and provincial laws protect workers and employers by setting minimum wage levels, health and safety standards, and hours of work. They provide for maternity leave, annual paid vacation, and protection of children who are working. There are also human rights laws that protect employees from unfair treatment by employers based on sex, age, race, religion or disability.
There are also laws to protect workers from discrimination. For example, an employer must hire employees on the basis of their qualifications.
If you feel you are being treated unfairly by your employer, you may seek advice or assistance from the department of labour in Newfoundland and Labrador (HRLE). You can read about Labour Standards on the provincial government website. You have a right to bring these standards to the attention of your employer, if you feel that some standards are not being met in the workplace. You can also contact the Labor Relations Agency if you have concerns.
You can reach them by telephone (709) 729-2711, by email labour@gov.nl.ca or at their office: 3rd Floor, Beothuck Building, 20 Crosbie Place, in St. John's.
You can also contact the Canadian Human Rights Commission or a Human Resources Development Canada office, where you can talk to a federal government labor affairs officer.
