B.C. Federation of Labour Demand the reinstatement of Grant's Law

Is it too dangerous for an employee to work overnight by themselves at 24/7 convenient stores or gas stations? The Young Workers’ Committee of the B.C. Federation of Labour (BCFED) argues that it is.

BCFED is holding an overnight ‘sit-in’ on Saturday at Mac’s convenience stores in Vancouver and Victoria to demand the reinstatement of workplace safety protections for convenience and gas station employees.

In particular, the BCFED is calling for the reinstatement of Grant’s Law and the requirement that at least two employees must be on shift together during overnight working hours.

Grant’s Law, which required drivers to pay for gas before they pump, was passed in 2008 following the death of Grant De Patie who was killed at a gas station after attempting to stop a driver from leaving without paying for gas.

In 2012, Christy Clark repealed Grant’s Law. Ever since the BCFED has organized annual overnight sit-ins to mark the anniversary of the repeal and stand in solidarity with employees who have to work by themselves during night shifts.

“We are here to raise awareness of the dangers workers—mostly young people like Grant De Patie—face when working alone at night,” said Caitlin Davidson King, Chairperson of the BCFED Young Workers’ Committee. “It has been five years since Christy Clark gutted Grant’s Law to weaken the requirements that keep workers safe. The changes are a mistake and have left workers to face violent incidents on their own and with little protection. Clark has chosen employers’ profit over workers’ safety, and we are calling attention to that shameful record.”

If it’s too difficult to mandate that at least two employees work overnight shifts together, the BCFED is demanding that the B.C. Government enforce the establishment of some form of barriers to protect workers late at night. Ultimately, guaranteeing workers’ safety is the priority.

“When you go to work, you should be able to count on coming home safe,” said Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour. “But in B.C., we’ve had a government that has made choices that put workers at risk because they are susceptible to pressure from large corporations. It shouldn’t matter what time of day or night you work, workers deserve to be protected from violent incidents.”

Have you ever worked overnight shifts at a gas station or convenient store? Do you know any family or friends who have worked overnight shifts? If so, reach out to us and let us know your experiences and opinions. We would love to get your take on this issue and we may even publish your thoughts!