Surveys show that more than 65 per cent of 91راة« students work in paid employment during the school year. Research also indicates that many workers – especially young workers – experience violations of their legal rights but are either unaware of the or unsure about what to do when their employer breaks the law.
“Every year, students approach me after a class on employment law to tell me a story about how their employer failed to pay their wages, or didn’t pay the minimum wage, or fired them with no notice,” says Professor Stephanie Ross, coordinator of 91راة«’s Work & Labour Studies Program in 91راة«'s Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.
In response to these problems, students and faculty associated with the Work & Labour Studies Program, the Centre for Research on Work & Society and the Work & Labour Studies Students Association are launching a year-long campaign tomorrow to raise awareness among students about their employment rights.
Tomorrow, Nov. 2, from 10:30am to 4:30pm, students in the program will be in the Bear Pit in Central Square on 91راة«'s Keele campus to distribute the first in a series of Know Your Rights fact sheets on employment standards.
91راة« students are invited to drop by the Bear Pit for some popcorn and candy, a fun game of Employment Standards Jeopardy, and a chance to win prizes for knowing their rights. Students can also share their experiences at work by posting on a “Bad Boss Collage”. Information on where to seek support and advice, and how to file a complaint if they feel they are being treated unfairly at work, will also be distributed.
For more information about the event, contact Ross, or the Work & Labour Studies Students Association at wlssa@yorku.ca.
For information about employment rights in general, and teaching and research about the changing nature of work, visit website or the website.