Skip to content

Content review pending. Confirm current rules, deadlines, and contacts with your school or the official provider.

← Back to Guides

Employer Won't Pay Me

View Saved

Browser only. No account or device sync. Clearing browser data can remove bookmarks.

You have legal rights to fair payment for your work. Wage theft is illegal, and there are resources to help you recover what you're owed. Check whether BC employment standards cover your work and what filing deadlines apply before waiting for an informal response. Unionized or federally regulated work may use a different process.

⏱️Time: Preparation and resolution times vary; check filing deadlines promptly
WorkRightsLegal

✓What to Do Now

1

Document everything

Gather pay stubs, time records, employment contract, and all communication about pay.

2

Review your employment agreement

Check what payment terms were agreed upon (hourly rate, salary, commission structure).

3

Calculate what you're owed

Make a detailed list of hours worked and amounts unpaid or underpaid.

4

Contact your employer in writing

If appropriate, send a factual written request for payment and keep a copy. Do not let informal discussions cause you to miss a complaint deadline.

5

File a wage claim

Use the official Employment Standards BC complaint page to check coverage, filing deadlines and the appropriate process. Do not wait for an employer reply if a deadline is approaching.

6

Check available legal advice

Ask Access Pro Bono or a school legal clinic whether they handle your issue. Check fees and eligibility; free advice or representation is not guaranteed.

📞Who to Contact

Employment Standards BC (ESB)

📋 Contact: Use the official complaint page for current filing and contact options
When: For wage complaints covered by BC employment standards. Confirm coverage and deadlines before using the application linked by the official page.

Legal Aid BC

🌐 Website: legalaid.bc.ca
When: Check whether your legal problem is covered and whether you qualify. Do not assume wage disputes qualify for legal aid.

Access Pro Bono

🌐 Website: www.accessprobono.ca
When: Ask which program handles employment issues and check eligibility, fees and appointment availability.

Your School's Legal Clinic

📋 Contact: Check your school's website (see 'Supports at Your School' page)
When: If your school offers free legal services for students

WorkSafeBC

When: If workplace safety issues are involved. Learn about your right to refuse unsafe work and how to report safety concerns.

🚩Red Flags

  • ⚠️Employer asks you to work 'off the books' or 'under the table'
  • ⚠️Paycheck bounces or is repeatedly delayed
  • ⚠️Deductions you didn't agree to
  • ⚠️Being paid less than minimum wage
  • ⚠️Missing overtime pay that applies under the rules covering your work; check exclusions and applicable agreements
  • ⚠️Employer refuses to provide pay stubs
  • ⚠️Threats if you complain about pay
  • ⚠️Tip deductions you do not understand; check the rules applying to your workplace
  • ⚠️Being asked to sign papers 'waiving' wage rights

📝Templates

Click "Copy" to copy any template to your clipboard, then paste and customize it.

Formal Payment Request Letter

Subject: Request for Payment of Outstanding Wages Dear [EMPLOYER NAME], I am writing to formally request payment of wages owed to me for work performed from [START DATE] to [END DATE]. Amount owed: $[TOTAL AMOUNT] Breakdown: - Hours worked: [HOURS] - Rate agreed: $[RATE]/hour - Dates: [DATES] - Already paid: $[PAID] - Outstanding: $[OWED] Please confirm when the outstanding amount will be paid and explain any disagreement with this calculation. I am checking the appropriate complaint process and deadlines separately. I have attached documentation of hours worked and our employment agreement. Thank you, [YOUR NAME] [PHONE] [EMAIL]

Wage Claim Summary

Employer: [NAME] Address: [ADDRESS] Your name: [YOUR NAME] Employment period: [START] to [END] Total owed: $[AMOUNT] Hours worked: [HOURS] Agreed rate: $[RATE]/hour Actual payments received: $[PAID] Outstanding: $[OWED] Last day worked: [DATE] Communication attempts: [DATES AND METHODS]

Request for Legal Advice

Subject: Help with Unpaid Wages Hello, I am a student at [UNIVERSITY] and need help recovering unpaid wages from [EMPLOYER NAME]. Summary: - Dates worked: [DATES] - Amount owed: $[AMOUNT] - Employer response: [DETAILS] - I have documentation: [YES/NO] Please let me know whether you handle this type of issue, your eligibility requirements, any fees and how to request a consultation. Thank you, [YOUR NAME] [STUDENT ID] [CONTACT INFO]

🎓Watch / Learn

🌐

BC Employment Standards: File a complaint

Check coverage, deadlines and current complaint instructions before waiting for an informal resolution.

Visit resource →
🌐

WorkSafeBC: Refusing unsafe work

Safety reporting is distinct from a wage complaint. Follow the official safety process.

Visit resource →