What is the CNESST?
The Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) is a government agency that ensures compliance with laws relating to labour standards, occupational health and safety, and pay equity.
It protects workers’ rights by ensuring that employers comply with established rules. It comprises three distinct streams:
- Labour standards;
- Pay equity;
- Occupational health and safety.
Thus, it acts as the guardian of workplace legislation and social balance.
The mandate of the CNESST
The CNESST’s mission is to:
- Enforce minimum labour standards (wages, leave, work schedules);
- Ensure occupational health and safety;
- Administer claims related to work accidents and occupational diseases;
- Ensure pay equity.
The CNESST's impact on workers
The CNESST plays a vital role in protecting the rights of all workers.
It ensures compliance with labour standards, occupational health and safety laws, and pay equity.
Workers whose rights are violated may file a complaint with the CNESST. The organization also has the authority to impose sanctions on employers who do not comply with legal obligations. In the event of a work accident or occupational disease, the CNESST provides medical and financial assistance to the affected worker.
