8-hour daily, 40-hour weekly and 12-hour double-time thresholds
BC Overtime and Double-Time Rules Explained
Learn how British Columbia’s general daily and weekly overtime rules interact without double counting the same hours.
Key point
Under the general rule, time over 8 through 12 hours in a day is paid at 1.5 times, time over 12 is double time, and weekly hours over 40 are time-and-a-half. Only the first 8 hours in each day count toward weekly overtime.
- Calculate each day first.
- Count up to 8 hours per day toward the weekly 40-hour test.
- Add daily and weekly overtime hours only after excluding overlap.
Daily overtime
A 10-hour day produces 2 time-and-a-half hours. A 13-hour day produces 4 time-and-a-half hours and 1 double-time hour under the general rule.
Weekly overtime
Weekly overtime catches schedules such as six or seven shorter days. If the first 8 hours from each day total 45, 5 hours are weekly time-and-a-half.
Agreements and special rules
Averaging agreements, variances, managers, high-technology employees and listed industries can follow different rules. Statutory holidays and the weekly 32-hour rest period also require separate treatment.
Related WageWise resources
Official sources
Rules can change and special occupations, agreements or facts can alter the result. Confirm the current official rule for the jurisdiction where the work is performed.