Summary

• Amendments to the Employment Standards Act and the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act are expected to improve the complaint and dispute-resolution process at the Employment Standards Branch
• Changes will increase opportunities for early dispute resolution and help workers recover wages more efficiently
• Amendments will improve complaint processes, while maintaining fairness for employers and workers

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As of Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, changes to the Employment Standards Act and the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act will be in effect.

The changes will streamline the employment standards complaint and dispute-resolution process by increasing opportunities for early resolution, while maintaining fairness for workers and employers.

The Employment Standards Branch ensures that workers covered by the Employment Standards Act and the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act receive minimum standards of compensation and conditions of employment. The branch receives and investigates complaints about violations of the Employment Standards Act and the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act for non-unionized employees and temporary foreign workers. It also facilitates voluntary compliance, issues decisions and levies penalties for contraventions under the two acts.

Purpose of the changes

• Increase opportunities to quickly resolve straightforward complaints
• Require employers who appeal a determination to deposit amounts owed before an appeal proceeds
• Help match workers with unclaimed wages more efficiently
• Improve complaint processes, while maintaining rights and protections

Learn More:

• For more details about the amendments to the Employment Standards Act and the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act, read the news release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0005-000220