Employer rights and obligations
The employer has rights and responsibilities under the laws applied by the CNESST concerning labour standards, pay equity and occupational health and safety.
- Under labour standards legislation, employers have the right to exercise management authority, meaning directing employees and making decisions to ensure the smooth operation and profitability of their business. They are also required to provide minimum working conditions, including rules on work schedules, annual vacation, termination, and more.
- Regarding occupational health and safety, employers have the right, for example, to request a review or appeal against CNESST decisions and have access to the file that the CNESST maintains on a worker’s occupational injury. Employers are required to take charge of OHS in their workplace, for example by providing training, protective equipment, and, where applicable, by implementing a prevention plan.
Rights and obligations of workers
Workers have rights and responsibilities under the laws enforced by the CNESST concerning labour standards, pay equity and occupational health and safety.
Whether they are temporary foreign workers or immigrants, they have the same rights as any other worker in Quebec.
- Regarding labour standards, they are entitled to the minimum working conditions, concerning work schedules, statutory holidays, and sick leave. In return, they are required to comply with the terms of their employment contract and notify their employer in case of absence.
- Regarding occupational health and safety, they have the right to refuse work they reasonably believe poses a danger to their health or safety, as well as the right to return to work after an occupational injury or illness. They are also responsible for familiarizing themselves with their employer’s prevention program and for wearing the personal protective equipment provided by the employer.
