Types of Overtime Pay in BC

Overtime refers to temporarily increased wages that are paid to employees when they work beyond their standard hours. Employers must pay for overtime, even if an employee agrees not to claim overtime pay. Overtime is granted to hourly, salaried, and commission-based employees, while employees under an averaging agreement or variance have different overtime rules. Understanding the types of overtime pay in BC is crucial for ensuring that employers and employees are complying with relevant laws. As experts in employment law, the employment lawyers at Linley Welwood have compiled some information on the types of overtime pay and when they should be paid.

Read about vacation time requirements in BC.

What are the Types of Overtime Pay in BC?

Unlike other provinces in Canada, British Columbia has a daily overtime pay threshold and a weekly overtime pay threshold. Overtime is paid at different rates, based on the number of hours worked. The types of overtime pay in BC include:

Daily Overtime

Employees are paid at a rate of time-and-a-half, which is 50% more than their regular rate for any time worked after 8 hours in a day. This rate can be paid for up to 12 hours, even if the employee does not work more than 40 hours a week. After 12 hours, employees are paid double the rate of their regular wage (double time).

Weekly Overtime

Employees are paid time-and-a-half for any time worked over 40 hours in a week. This applies even if an employee does not work more than 8 hours a day. A week is defined as the period from Sunday to Saturday. Only the first 8 hours worked in a day count towards weekly overtime.

Overtime on Statutory Holidays

If an employee works overtime hours on a statutory holiday—Canada Day, Victoria Day, etc.—they are paid an average day’s pay in addition to time-and-a-half for the hours worked.

Other Important Information

It should be noted that employees can bank their overtime. This means that an employee can make a written request to bank their overtime hours instead of being paid for them during the pay period in which they are earned. Later, they can ask for part or all the wages to be paid out. Alternatively, they can ask for time off with pay for a period agreed upon by the employee and employer.

Employees also receive extra pay for working during their rest period. By law, an employee must receive at least 32 consecutive hours away from work each week. If an employee works during this period, they must be paid time-and-a-half.

To learn more about overtime pay requirements and other areas of employment law, get in touch with the employment lawyers at Linley Welwood. We can be reached at 604-850-6640 and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.