Many young people begin working before the age of 18 and are unaware of their rights as employees.Â
Knowing your rights, especially if you are NOT from Quebec, will ensure that you can speak up for yourself if your manager treats you unfairly.
Vocabulary
Activity 1: Vocabulary
Activity 2: Grammar: Questions structures
Activity 3: Capsule & comprehension questions
Activity 4: Reading & discussion questions
Activity 5: Writing
Grammar
Making direct questions can be difficult in English.
Here are some tips.
- Look at the verb. Is it the verb “be“? Yes? – use that.
Not “be”? – use “do” or “does” - Use “do” with the subjects or pronouns I, you, we, they.
- Use “does” with the subjects that represent he, she, it.
Change the structure of the sentence by putting the “be” “do” or “does” before the subject.
If you use “does” as your helping verb, remove the “s” from the main verb.
Look at these examples:
She works at the restaurant every evening.
(Is there a “be” verb? – NO)
(Is there a “do” or “does”? – NO)
(There is an “s” on the verb – so choose DOES because it has an “s“)
When DOES she work? (the “s” comes from “works”)
He is a line cook.
(Is there a “be” verb? – YES)
Use it!
What is his job?
You see that the “be” “do” and “does” goes before the subject.
If you use “how much” or “how many” as question words, there are certain rules.
How much + noncount noun – How much money do you have on you?
How many + count noun – How many servers work in your restaurant?
If you use “How many,” you must include the plural noun immediately after it.
How many hours did you work this week?
How many clients are in the restaurant today?
Try this brief exercise:
Watch the capsule
Answer the comprehension questionsÂ
Reading
Teen Worker Exposes Illegal Practices at Local Restaurant
MONTREAL – Sabrina Dubois, a 15-year-old high school student, has filed a complaint with Quebec’s labour standards board after discovering serious violations at the restaurant where she worked part-time.
Sabrina started working at Café Belle Vue last summer to save money for college. At first, she was excited about her new job. However, she quickly noticed problems that made her uncomfortable.
“I was working much more than the legal limit,” Sabrina explained. “Quebec law says students under 16 can only work certain hours during school weeks, but my boss scheduled me for 25 hours, even during exams.”
The violations didn’t stop there. According to Sabrina’s complaint, her manager kept a portion of the servers’ tips, which is illegal in Quebec. Workers have the right to keep all their tips, but Sabrina says the manager took 20% “for the house.”
The most serious allegation involves sexual harassment. Sabrina reported that her boss made inappropriate comments about her appearance and touched her shoulder and back without permission. “I felt scared and didn’t know what to do,” she said. “I needed the job, but I didn’t feel safe.”
After talking to her parents and a school counselor, Sabrina learned about her rights under Quebec’s labour laws. She discovered that:
– Young workers have special protections
– Employers cannot take employees’ tips
– All workers have the right to a harassment-free workplace
– Overtime must be paid at a higher rate
Sabrina filed her complaint with the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST), Quebec’s workplace standards agency. The agency is now investigating Café Belle Vue.
“I was nervous to speak up,” Sabrina admitted. “But I realized that if this was happening to me, it might be happening to other young workers too.”
Labour rights advocates praise Sabrina’s courage. “Young workers often don’t know their rights,” said Marie Tremblay from the Workers’ Rights Centre. “Sabrina’s case reminds us that age doesn’t matter – everyone deserves respect and fair treatment at work.”
The investigation is ongoing. If violations are confirmed, the restaurant could face significant fines and penalties.
Discussion questions
- Why did Sabrina speak out against her boss?
- How many hours is a young person allowed to work in Quebec?
- Why do many businesses exploit younger workers?
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Writing