Receiving your wages correctly and on time is an important part of your employment relationship. If your employer does not pay you, pays you less than expected, or your wages are delayed, it is important to keep documents related to your employment and learn about the options available to you.
Start by checking your pay statement
When you receive your wages, check your pay statement and make sure the information matches the hours you worked and the conditions of your employment.
Keep your pay statements, as they can be important for verifying the payments you received and the amounts that were paid to you.
You can also keep:
- your work schedules;
- a record of the hours you worked;
- your employment contract;
- communications with your employer;
- bank statements showing your wage deposits.
What should you do if your wages are delayed?
If you have not received your wages on the usual payment date, you can contact your employer to ask for information about the payment.
It is recommended that you do this in writing, for example by email or text message, and keep a copy of your communication.
You can clearly ask:
- when you will receive your payment;
- what caused the delay;
- whether there is a problem with your banking information or with payroll processing.
What if you receive less than expected?
If the amount you received does not correspond to the hours you worked or the conditions of your employment, first check your pay statement to understand the amounts shown and the deductions that were made.
If you still have questions, you can ask your employer for an explanation and keep any communications related to the situation.
If you have tried to contact your employer and have not received a response, or if the situation has not been resolved, you can learn more about your rights and the options available to you.
The CNESST is one of the resources that can provide workers with information about labour standards applicable in Quebec and possible steps to take depending on their situation.
You can also contact an organization in the PSTM network for information, guidance, or a referral to the appropriate resource.
If you are a temporary foreign worker
Your immigration status does not prevent you from learning about your rights at work.
If you have an employer-specific work permit, keep all documents related to your employment and immigration situation, in particular.
If there is a problem with your wages, do not ignore it. Gather your documents, keep track of the hours you worked, and save your communications with your employer. This information may be useful for understanding and documenting your situation.
To maintain a record of your employment, you can keep the following documents together:
- your employment contract;
- your pay statements;
- your work schedules;
- a record of the hours you worked;
- your bank statements;
- communications with your employer;
- any document related to a change in your employment.
Where can you get information?
If you have questions about your wages or working conditions, you can get information directly from the CNESST or contact an organization in the PSTM network.
Organizations can help you better understand your situation and refer you to available resources.
Remember: If you have a problem with your wages, keep your documents and seek information. Start by understanding your situation and the options available to you.
InfoTET of Immigrant Québec provides information and resources to help temporary foreign workers better understand their working conditions and find available resources in Quebec.
