B.C. labour laws need serious reform, workers' advocates say

B.C.'s minister of labour says everything is on the table as the province reviews its labour laws.

Harry Bains is overseeing the government's review of B.C.'s Labour Code, which covers unions and other workplace topics.

It's a process he said was long overdue.

"The Labour Code hasn't been reviewed in 15 years," Bains toldStephen Quinn, host of CBC'sThe Early Edition. "The idea is to bring labour laws that reflect the changing economy and the changing workplaces."

Bains said he received a report on Friday from a committee about possible areas for reforming labour laws.

The committee, he said, included union and employer representation with an independent chair. It travelled through the province to hear from experts, workers and business groups about possible changes to labour rules.

The minister said his goals from the review are to make workplaces the safest in the country, give workers a feeling of more respect and to increase confidence in the Labour Relations Board.

Listen to the full interview with HarryBains:

'Room for improvement'

One worker advocacy group says immediate improvement is needed in enforcing labour laws.

The B.C. Employment Standards Coalition says it will be making a submission as part of the review calling for more proactive investigations into labour-law violations and for more resources for the Employment Standards Branch.

"We've been lobbying him over the past year to do this," coalition co-chairDavidFaireytold On The Coast host Gloria Macarenko. "Except for the fair wages commission...there's not much hasbeen happening."

Fairey was also critical of B.C.'s labour laws on sick leave and child workers, which he called the most lax in North America.

"There's a lot of room for improvement," he said.

Listen to the full interview with DavidFairey:

Piece rate 'discriminatory'

The B.C. Federation of Labour said progress is needed when it comes to precarious workers, especially when it comes to "piece rate," where a worker is paid based on tasks completed instead of hours worked.

President IreneLanzingercalled it a "discriminatory" practice that treats farm workers unfairly.

"We want to see that exemption removed," Lanzinger said. "We say the minimum wage should be the base. You can pay people bonuses or extra for picking more, but everyone should earn the minimum wage."

Bains said precarious work will be a focus of the reforms.

He said the province is focused on setting minimum pay standards for "gig economy" workers and to enforce rules for employers hiring those workers.

Bains said the report he received Friday will be reviewed by the government and then made public.

Listen to the full interview with Irene Lanzinger:

With files from CBCRadio One's The Early Edition and On The Coast

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