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Forestry workers have certain rights

Most forestry workers have rights as the employer’s "employees."  If you are an "employee," you have these rights:

Worker's Compensation

If you are hurt at work, you have the right to get worker's compensation. This pays medical costs and compensation for work time lost due to injury. 

Terms of employment in writing

When the employer offers you work, you have the right to receive a paper explaining:

• The terms of your pay.

• How long the work will last.

• The bonuses you will get.

• The deductions they are going to make from your pay.

Unemployment insurance

The employer must pay into the unemployment compensation fund for when you are without work. 

Pay stubs

The employer must give you a wage stub showing:

• How much work you have done.

• The deductions from your wages.

• Why there are deductions.

• The hours you worked.

Minimum wage

If you are an adult, the employer must pay you at least $11.50 an hour, even if you are working by piece rate.  There are some exceptions.

Protection from discrimination

It is illegal for your employer to fire you because you exercise your rights under these laws. 

Sometimes, employers or contractors treat their workers like "independent contractors" or "partners" even though they are "employees" under the law.  If your employer is treating you like an independent contractor or a partner, you might not get any of the benefits listed here even though you may have the right to them. 

THE WAY IN WHICH YOU WORK DETERMINES YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS, NOT BY WHAT YOUR EMPLOYER CALLS YOU.

If you have questions about whether you are an "employee" or an "independent contractor," call:

COLUMBIA LEGAL SERVICES

 

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