Pay transparency impact on employees in BC: Employment lawyer on 980 CKNW

Interview Summary

The Pay Transparency Act in British Columbia has been enacted in the province. This legislation aims to ensure all employers post an accurate salary range in job postings for provincially regulated employees. How are employers enforcing this legislation? Has this had a significant impact on those entering the workforce?

Dan Balkaran, a Vancouver employment lawyer and Senior Associate at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joined Jill Bennett on 980 CKNW to discuss the impact of this legislation and employee rights.

Interview Notes

• Significance of legislation: “If a law is passed by a legislator, all employers should comply with it,” Balkaran stated. Balkaran explained that this is a growing trend with legislation across the country.
• No way to enforce legislation: Balkaran stated that the lack of enforcement implemented with this legislation is likely related to the necessary financial costs. “Enforcement measures would require a whole bureaucracy to minister it, administer penalties, and so forth.” Balkaran is unsure of the desire to enforce this legislation and commented that this is likely a political exercise.
• Lack of transparency with high-earning positions: Balkaran voiced no surprise with the lack of salary ranges posted for specific positions. “I think this legislation is more to protect lower-ranking employees.”
• Incentive for employees: “The legislation is very clear that employers can’t engage in reprisals for employees inquiring about salaries,” Balkaran explained. “But what is the consequence to the employer if they do engage with that reprisal?”
• Region-specific legislation: Balkaran reiterated that many provinces have passed similar legislation. “I think Ontario did the same thing. None of them seem to have consequences for a lack of following the rules.”

Related Resources

For further insights and discussions related to pay transparency, explore the following resources:

• Employment lawyer on pay transparency in Ontario
• Salary caps and disclosure legislation