Many youth are employed, but unaware of the legal protections under human rights and employment law statutes. While some employers pride themselves on ensuring that a young person’s employment rights are upheld, others may be lacking the knowledge needed regarding the law. Youth face issues in the workplace related to employment law such as vacation pay, overtime and receiving proper breaks. In addition youth may face human rights issues including discrimination and harassment.

Youth may be exposed to discrimination or harassment in the workplace based on grounds such as race, gender or disability. However, when discrimination happens to a youth it is compounded by the young person’s lack of experience in the work world. Some youth will not have enough experience at work to know what is right and what is wrong; what is a normal work rule and what is illegal or discriminatory. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified (“LGBT+”) youth are protected in the workplace by human rights and employment legislation as discussed in this chapter.

• Employment Standards Legislation

• Human Rights Legislation and the Workplace

• Being an LGBT+ ally at work

• Human rights employment cases