Unpaid wages in Ontario: records and next steps

How to organize pay, hours, overtime, vacation, and deduction records before raising an unpaid-wage concern.

Short answer

For unpaid-wage concerns, preserve schedules, time records, pay statements, employment agreements, and written requests for payment. The Ontario employment-standards process is not the only possible route, and deadlines or exclusions may apply, so identify the type of pay and the responsible employer before filing.

Educational content only. It is not legal advice and cannot assess your circumstances. Laws, deadlines, forms, and procedures can change; confirm the current position with an official source or qualified professional.

What records are most useful?

A clear comparison between hours or amounts owed and amounts paid helps a professional or regulator understand the issue. Keep the original records and note how you calculated the difference.

Dates and hours worked, including extra time
Pay statements and bank deposits
Vacation, commission, bonus, or deduction records
Messages about approval, scheduling, or promised payment

What should you check before escalating?

Ask whether the issue concerns minimum standards, a contract, a commission plan, a misclassification, or something else. The answer may affect the forum and the available remedy.

Confirm the legal employer and work location
Read any written pay or commission policy
Check whether you are unionized or represented
Use current government instructions for any complaint deadline

Common questions

Can I refuse to work if I am owed wages?

Do not assume that withholding work is safe or legally protected. Get advice about your position and document the non-payment before taking action.

What if I was paid cash?

Cash payment does not by itself answer whether wages were properly paid or recorded. Preserve whatever records exist and explain the arrangement accurately.