Farm Workers' Rights
| This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Richard Johnson, Ascent Employment Law and Amanda Aziz, Migrant Workers Centre in July 2022. |
BC’s main employment standards law sets out rules employers must follow in paying their workers. Some of these rules apply differently to farm workers. Learn your rights around getting paid as a farm worker.
Common questions
As a farm worker, am I entitled to the minimum wage?
Yes. All farm workers who are paid hourly, by salary, or by any other method (other than piece rate, explained below), are entitled to the general minimum wage. As of June 1, 2022, the general minimum wage is $15.65 per hour.
The rules are a little different for farm workers who are paid by piece rate. Here, there are different minimum wage rates for each type of crop.
For more information, see our in-depth coverage.
As a farm worker, am I entitled to overtime pay?
No, farm workers are not entitled to overtime pay. The law doesn’t limit the hours that farm workers can work, but it does say an employer cannot let a worker work excessive hours or hours that could harm their health or safety.
For more, see our in-depth info on getting paid as a farm worker.
Are farm workers entitled to minimum daily pay?
If a farm labour contractor takes you to a worksite and then there is no work, the contractor must pay you for the longer of:
- two hours, or
- the time it takes to go from the starting point to the worksite and back (or to another place that’s a similar distance and acceptable to you).
If work is not available because of bad weather or another cause beyond the control of the contractor, you aren’t entitled to be paid.
Can a farm labour contractor deduct money from my wages for hiring me or finding me work?
No. A farm labour contractor must not charge a worker for hiring or obtaining work for that person.
Can a farm labour contractor charge me for gas, travel costs, or GST?
No. An employer can’t require a worker to pay any portion of the employer’s cost of doing business. As well, an employer can’t deduct or offset a worker’s earnings except for statutory deductions required by law, or with the written authorization of the worker.
For more, see our in-depth info on your rights around getting paid as a farm worker.
Who can help
Helpful agencies
- Employment Standards Branch
- Administers the law in BC that sets minimum standards for workers.
- Call 1-800-663-3316
- Visit website
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