In previous articles in this series, we explained the main deductions that may appear on your pay stub: QPP, QPIP, Employment Insurance (EI), federal income tax, and Quebec income tax.
However, depending on your job and the benefits or services you receive, other deductions may also appear. These deductions are not the same for every worker.
What other deductions may appear?
Some of the most common include:
- Group insurance: health, dental, life, or disability insurance.
- Union dues, when applicable.
- Pension or retirement savings plans.
- Housing or meals, when these services are provided by the employer and the deduction is permitted.
- Parking or other services, in certain situations.
- Other deductions authorized by the worker or permitted under applicable legislation.
Can my employer deduct any amount from my wages?
No. An employer cannot simply decide to deduct an amount from your wages because they consider it necessary. In Quebec, a wage deduction must have a permitted basis, such as an obligation established by law or regulation, a court order, a collective agreement, or, in certain situations, the worker’s written authorization.
If you see a deduction that you do not recognize, it is important to ask what it means, why it is being deducted, and what it relates to.
What about group insurance?
If your employer offers group insurance and you are covered by the plan, part of the insurance cost may be deducted from your wages. Your pay stub may include deductions for:
- health insurance;
- dental insurance;
- life insurance;
- disability insurance.
Check that the deduction corresponds to the insurance or benefit you actually receive.
What about union dues?
If you are a union member or covered by a collective agreement that requires union dues, they may appear as a deduction on your pay stub. If you do not understand a union deduction, you can consult your collective agreement or ask your employer or union for an explanation.
Can my employer deduct housing or meal costs?
In some jobs, particularly when the employer provides housing or meals, a deduction related to these services may appear on your pay stub. However, an employer cannot deduct any amount they choose. The deduction must comply with the applicable rules and, when required, have the appropriate authorization. This is particularly important for temporary foreign workers who live in housing provided by their employer.
What should I do if I do not recognize a deduction?
If an amount appears on your pay stub and you do not recognize it:
- Check your pay stub. Identify the name and amount of the deduction.
- Ask your employer for an explanation. Ask clearly why the amount was deducted.
- Check your employment contract and any documents you signed. There may be an authorization related to insurance, housing, a savings plan, or another benefit.
- Keep your documents. Keep your pay stubs and any documents related to the deduction.
- Get information if you believe the deduction is incorrect. You can contact the CNESST to learn about your rights and the applicable rules.
Not every amount deducted from your wages is a tax. Some deductions may relate to insurance, union dues, retirement plans, housing, meals, or other benefits or services. The important thing is to be able to identify and understand every deduction that appears on your pay stub. If you do not recognize an amount or believe a deduction is not justified, ask for an explanation and keep the relevant documents.
InfoTET d’Immigrant Québec provides information and support to temporary foreign workers in Quebec.
