British Columbia's employed workforce consists of more than 2.0million workers - 53% male and 47% female. Most of the work force - 80%, is employed in the provision of services as opposed to 21% employed in the goods-producing sector.

In 2003, 34% (555,000 people) of the province's paid workers were unionized. The largest unions are: Canadian Union of Public Employees, B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union and affiliates, and B.C. Teachers' Federation.

Labour relations in the province are governed by the Industrial Relations Act, which encourages the orderly resolution of any labour dispute. The Employment Standards Act regulates conditions of employment including hours of work, payment of wages, minimum wages, annual holidays, maternity benefits and terminations.

The Workers' Compensation Board compensates injured workers for loss of earnings and medical expenses and provides rehabilitation for disabling injuries.