Section 1: Employment Law in Quebec

1.1 What is an employment contract?

An employment contract is an agreement between the employer and the employee.

In an employment contract, the employee agrees to work for the employer, and the employer agrees to pay the employee for the work done.

Other details can be in the employment contract, such as when and where the work is to be done, the salary to be paid, vacation, etc.

The employer and the employee decide what is in the contract. However, the employment contract is also subject to other laws in Quebec, including the Civil Code of Quebec, the Act respecting Labour Standards (labour standards law), worker’s compensation (CSST), etc.

These laws tell the employer and the employee what they must do, or not do.

Some people have a collective agreement. This means agroup of people has the same employment contract with their employer. You have a collective agreement when you belong to a union.