Submitting a response to a complaint

Because the burden of proof is on employers or unions to show there has been no prohibited action or failure to pay wages, your response to a prohibited action complaint is crucial.

We will let you know when it is time to submit your formal response.

Submitting your response

The fastest way to submit a response to a complaint is through your online services account. Once logged in, you’ll be guided through each step of the process so you can easily and securely submit your response, share documents, and communicate with us. You’ll also be able to track the status of a complaint.

If you don’t yet have an online services account, see Creating an online services account as an employer for instructions.

Alternatively, you can download and complete a Prohibited Action – Employer or Union Response (Form 57M7) and follow the instructions on the form to submit it.

Need help?

If you have questions or would like to speak to us about your complaint, please email us at prohibitedaction@worksafebc.com or call our prohibited action complaints line at 604.232.1864 or toll-free at 1.888.967.5377, extension 1864.

Tips for meeting our requirements in your response

Thoroughness

We ask that you be clear and specific in your response, and include:

A detailed account of the event in question — explain precisely what happened, who was involved, and when and where it occurred
Other relevant dates, times, and places
Copies of any relevant documents
If applicable, written, signed statements from witnesses

Timeliness

We follow a process when prohibited action complaints are submitted, starting with a preliminary inquiry (if more information is required), then voluntary mediation, then adjudication. If the complaint goes to adjudication, you are given an opportunity to respond, at which point the worker can respond to your submission. A fair adjudication process depends on timely responses from you and the worker.