In British Columbia, employees who report for a scheduled shift must be paid for at least two hours, even if they’re sent home early. If the shift was scheduled for more than eight hours, the minimum is four hours’ pay.
These rules apply to eligible full-time and part-time employees. However, BC doesn’t require employers to guarantee part-time employees a minimum number of hours each week.
Here’s how minimum shift pay works, when exceptions apply and what happens if your employer cuts your hours.
💡 BC Minimum Shift Pay: Scheduled for 8 hours or less? You’re entitled to at least 2 hours’ pay when you report for work. Scheduled for more than 8 hours? You’re entitled to at least 4 hours’ pay, subject to limited exceptions.
On This Page
- Minimum Shift Pay Rules
- Part-Time Employee Hours
- Cancelled & Shortened Shifts
- Exceptions
- Reduced Hours & Severance
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Minimum Shift Hours in BC?
BC’s Employment Standards Act requires minimum pay when an employee reports for work, even if they don’t work the full scheduled shift.
| Scheduled Shift | Minimum Pay |
|---|---|
| 8 hours or less | 2 hours |
| More than 8 hours | 4 hours |
| Works longer than the minimum | All hours worked |
Example: Sent Home After One Hour
You’re scheduled for a four-hour shift at $25 per hour. After one hour, your manager sends you home because business is slow.
Your employer must pay you $50 for two hours, even though you only worked one.
These minimum-pay rules come from section 34 of the BC Employment Standards Act.
Are Part-Time Employees Guaranteed Minimum Hours in BC?
No. BC doesn’t guarantee part-time employees a minimum number of weekly working hours.
Employers can schedule short shifts or vary weekly hours. However, they must respect minimum shift pay and the terms of the employment agreement.
For example, an employer can schedule a two-hour shift. BC’s two-hour minimum-pay rule doesn’t mean every shift must last four hours.
A major cut to your established hours is different. It can amount to constructive dismissal in BC.
Can Your Employer Cancel a Shift or Send You Home Early?
Yes, but your employer must pay the minimum amount if you report for work as required.
- Sent home before starting: At least two hours’ pay, or four hours if scheduled for more than eight.
- Sent home after one hour: The same minimum-pay rules apply.
- Shift cancelled before you report: The minimum daily pay rule doesn’t automatically apply.
If your employer regularly cancels shifts or reduces your pay, keep copies of your schedules and pay records.
When Does Minimum Shift Pay Not Apply in BC?
The minimum-pay rules have limited exceptions, including when:
- You’re unfit to work
- You fail to meet applicable workplace safety requirements
- You ask to leave early and your employer agrees
If you’re scheduled for more than eight hours and work stops for reasons completely beyond your employer’s control, such as unsuitable weather, the minimum can drop from four hours to two.
Different rules can also apply under an approved employment standards variance or other applicable exemption.
Can Your Employer Cut Your Part-Time Hours in BC?
A major reduction to your regular working hours or income can be constructive dismissal. You don’t have to accept a drastic change to your job simply because you’re part-time.
For example, cutting an employee from 30 hours a week to 10 hours can amount to a substantial change to their employment.
When an employer makes a major change to essential job terms, the employee can have the right to treat the situation as a termination and pursue severance pay.
⚠️ Hours Drastically Reduced? Don’t quit before checking your rights. A major reduction in shifts or income can entitle you to severance pay, even if your employer hasn’t formally fired you.
Read more about pay reductions in BC and severance pay in BC.
Minimum Shift Hours BC: Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Minimum 3-Hour Shift in BC?
No. BC’s standard minimum daily pay is two hours when an employee reports for work. Employees scheduled for more than eight hours must normally receive at least four hours’ pay.
Can My Employer Schedule Me for Only 2 Hours?
Yes. Employers can schedule two-hour shifts. BC doesn’t require every shift to last three or four hours.
Do Part-Time Employees Get Minimum Shift Pay?
Yes. Eligible part-time employees have the same minimum daily pay protections as full-time employees. Learn more about full-time hours in BC.
Do I Get Paid if My Shift Is Cancelled?
If you report for work and your employer cancels the shift, minimum daily pay applies. If the shift is cancelled before you report, section 34 doesn’t automatically require payment.
What If My Employer Doesn’t Pay the Minimum Shift Amount?
You can request the missing wages or file a complaint with BC’s Employment Standards Branch. See our guide to unpaid wages in BC.
Can I Get Severance if My Employer Cuts My Hours?
Yes. A substantial reduction in established hours can be constructive dismissal. You may be entitled to severance even if your employer says you still have a job.
Part-Time Hours Cut in BC? Know Your Rights
If your employer has drastically reduced your shifts, cut your income or forced major changes to your job, you may be entitled to severance pay.
The BC employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help non-unionized employees with constructive dismissal, wrongful dismissal and severance packages.
Your severance could reach up to 24 months’ pay. Use our Severance Pay Calculator to find out what your package could be worth.
Before you sign, always check first.
➡️ Get a Consultation or call 1-855-821-5900.