When you arrive in Quebec to work, your employment contract is one of the most important documents to keep. It allows you to understand the conditions of your employment and check whether the information you received before starting work matches your actual situation.
If you are a temporary foreign worker (TFW), it is especially important to understand your employment conditions and keep copies of documents related to your job.
What information can you find in your employment contract?
Depending on your situation and the type of job you have, your employment contract may include information such as:
- your employer’s name and contact information;
- your position and the main duties you will perform;
- the location where you will work;
- your wage and pay frequency;
- your work schedule or conditions related to your working hours;
- your start date and, when applicable, the expected duration of your employment;
- housing conditions, when housing is provided by your employer;
- other specific conditions related to your employment.
Before starting work, take the time to read your contract and make sure you understand the conditions it contains.
Why is it important to keep a copy?
Your employment contract can be useful if you need to verify your employment conditions or explain your situation to an organization.
It is also recommended that you keep other documents related to your job, such as:
- your job offer;
- your pay statements;
- your work schedules;
- communications with your employer;
- documents related to your work permit;
- any document showing a change in your employment conditions.
Keeping these documents allows you to maintain a record of your employment situation.
What if the conditions are different from what was agreed upon?
If, when you start your job, you notice that your working conditions are different from those stated in your contract or from what you were told, it is important to seek information and clarify the situation.
For example, the difference may concern your wage, duties, schedule, workplace, or housing.
Before accepting a change, make sure you understand what it involves and keep any communications related to the change.
If you have questions about your working conditions, you can learn more about your rights and the resources available in Quebec.
Some TFWs have a work permit that authorizes them to work only for a specific employer. In these situations, it is especially important to understand the conditions of your employment and your situation.
If your employment situation changes, do not assume that you can simply start working for another employer. First, find out about the conditions of your work permit and any steps that may be required.
Where can you get information?
If you have questions about your employment situation or need guidance, you can consult resources available to temporary foreign workers in Quebec.
Organizations in the PSTM network can provide information, guidance, and referrals to appropriate resources depending on your situation and where you live.
Remember: Keeping your employment contract and documents related to your job can make your démarches easier and help you better understand your working conditions.
InfoTET of Immigrant Québec provides information and resources to help temporary foreign workers better understand their situation and find available resources in Quebec.
