Government of New Brunswick

Employment Standards Rights and Responsibilities

Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour

Overview

The Employment Standards Act sets minimum rights and responsibilities for all provincially regulated employers and employees in the province, governing such things as wages, vacation pay, public holiday pay and various leaves, among other things.

Eligibility

The Act applies to all provincially regulated employers and employees. Any member of the public can inquire about their rights and responsibilities, or file a complaint and have it investigated by an Employment Standards Officer. The Employment Standards Branch also offers one hour information sessions (click here) to those employers or employees who want more information on the Employment Standards Act and Regulations.

Description

The Branch provides a toll free helpline (1-888-452-2687) to answer the public's questions about the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees. The Branch carries out neutral investigations into complaints, both confidential and otherwise, to try to resolve the issues between the parties. Eventually, if necessary, the matter will be referred to the New Brunswick Labour & Employment Board who will render a decision on the dispute. Decisions rendered at the Labour and Employment Board, pursuant to the Employment Standards Act, are available in the following database; CanLii – The Canadian Legal Information Institute at http://www.canlii.org/en/nb/nbleb/ . (Note, searches can be made by entering subject matter, sections of the Employment Standards Act, case names, year decision rendered, etc.)