“What are my rights at work?”

Human rights legislation, employment standards, and occupational health and safety codes ensure that Alberta’s workplaces are respectful, fair, and safe. As an employee, you have the right to a safe, inclusive, hazard-free workplace that is free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination. You also have the right to clear information about the work hours, wages and payroll, vacations and holidays, and other employment standards that your workplace must follow.

Human rights

The Alberta Human Rights Act protects workers from negative or unfair treatment because of their age, race, religion, colour, gender (including gender expression and gender identity), physical or mental disability, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status, or sexual orientation. These characteristics are protected grounds. Negative or hurtful policies or actions related to protected grounds violate your human rights. That’s discrimination. And it’s against the law—both in your workplace and in job ads and job interviews.

Everyone has the right to equality, dignity, and respect—and the right to live and work without discrimination. The human rights you enjoy as an employee include:

• the right to equal pay for different genders
• the right for accommodation if you have a disability
• the right to organize and join a union (unless you are a worker who is not covered by the Alberta Labour Relations Code)

If you believe your human rights have been denied or disrespected, you can file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Occupational health and safety

As an employee, your health and safety rights at work are protected by  Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.

1. You have the right to refuse dangerous work that could put your health and safety—or other people’s health and safety—at risk. Your employer can’t fire you for complaining about or refusing unsafe work.
2. You have the right to know about workplace hazards that could cause injury, sickness, or death. Your employer is responsible for providing you with the training and tools you need to stay safe.
3. You have the right to express your concerns and take part in making decisions that affect your health and safety at work.

There are lots of resources to help you stay safe on the job. This Health and Safety Training Checklist can help you learn the rules and understand your rights.

If you have a concern, report it online or call the Occupational Health and Safety Contact Centre toll-free at 1-866-415-8690 or 780-415-8690 in Edmonton.

Employment standards

Alberta’s Employment Standards Code and Employment Standards Regulation set minimum work standards related to wages, hours of work and rest, overtime, vacations, statutory holidays, and other working conditions.

It’s worth taking time to learn about your rights in relation to these employment standards.

If you think your employer is not meeting the required standards, you can file a complaint or submit an anonymous tip.

What would you like to know?

An alis staff member will review your question and respond via email. If it’s something that can help others look for work, explore careers, or succeed on the job, a version of your question and answer may even be added to the site.