Outsourcing Cashier Jobs in B.C.: Employment Lawyer on 980 CKNW

Interview Summary

Freshii restaurant has decided to implement virtual cashiers from Nicaragua. Many Canadian residents have since voiced concerns regarding the practice of outsourcing labour. Are employers permitted to hire employees from outside of the country? What employment laws are employees and employers subjected to in this situation?

A Vancouver employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joined Mike Smyth on 980 CKNW in British Columbia to discuss the implications of Freshii’s choice and the impact on employee rights.

Interview Notes

• Freshii breaking any employment laws: It is perfectly legal for an employer like Freshii to outsource labour and pay employees outside of Canada less than the provincial minimum wage. Employment laws do need to keep up with technology.
• Freshii similarity to call centre employment: In many ways, outsourcing of labour is not new as call centres hire workers who do not reside within the province or country.
• Improving customer service and employer perspective: Freshii has argued that they are still employing physical employees instead of switching completely to automation. Discussion about f.