djsiege83

Hi, actually its my girlfriend, she's worked a day for a catering company. The work and the people there were pretty awful, and she left. All done with no ill feeling. Then, when she calls to arrange getting paid the owner says she was on training and isn't getting paid.

What do we do? Is there an equivalent to a citizens advice bureau out here? There's no way its worth going to a small claims court is there?

Any advice would be welcome.

Thank you.

JonboyE

Which province are you in?

djsiege83

BC, we're living in Vancouver.

sheadboy

that's actually quite common, even in the UK for temps.

Auld Yin

Try the BC Labour Relations Board.

http://www.lrb.bc.ca/

Aviator

Contact the Employment Standards Branch Employment Standards are quite clear about payment. Perhaps the threat of a complaint me be enough to convince them, if not try speaking to the ESB and see what they suggest. They are usually very helpful.

Aviator

Only for unionised work places. The Employment Standards Branch is the government body the enforces the Employment Standards Act.

JonboyE

Then the employer is talking ****.

First off, tell the employer that you know they are required to pay you. There is no such thing as unpaid "training" in BC.

You can point them to the labour standards if they don't believe you. http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/esaguide/#2

Then tell them that if you are not paid for the hours you worked then you will either:

a) launch an action in the small claims court or,
b) you will take action through the labour standards branch.

The latter is much more effective, and even cheaper. Start here: http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/self-help/

djsiege83

Great, I've sent an e-mail, having got no success over the phone.

I believe we're covered by the Employment Standards Act as Temporary Overseas Workers, so if we don't get a reply we'll be lodging a complaint.

Thanks again.

debzielou

After reading your post we have a similar situation and are in BC too. My boyfriend hasnt been paid for some work he has done and his employer refused point blank to pay him for it. We sent a letter pointing out where he was in breach of the employment standards act (on around 4 points) as well he breaches health and safety at work and he still refused so we are in the process of lodging our complaint with the Employment Standards Agency. Good luck!

djsiege83

Sorry to hear about your boyfriend. I can't believe how some people operate. They're just trying it on, hoping we just forget it and move on. Keep us posted on how you get on and we'll do the same. Do you have any idea on timescales? How long do you think it will be until its sorted?

debzielou

To be honest I dont know but apparently the Employment Standards Agency can impose hefty fines and stuff so hopefully we will get the money. We would just leave it be if it were just a little amount as Im not the confrontational type but its nearly $4000 so weve decided to go for it. Needless to say my boyfriend doesnt work for the guy any more which is proving a problem in itself as we are here on a TWP so not quite sure what to do now!

Aviator

WCB may be interested in safety issues.

There is also a Lawyer Referral Service for a low cost initial consultation.

Yoong

http://www.bchrt.bc.ca/rules_practic...re/default.htm
You could write a complaint to BC Human Rights Tribunal and see
whether they will help you out.
Yoong

Griff

On a totally different issue - we have had a difficulty with someone who we paid to perform a service which was inadequate and actually ended up us being charged...(tax)

So, on that note why is it that business' in BC seem to be able to get away with behaviour like the one we experienced and is experienced by the OP here??

Have to say the UK system does offer some redress for 'victims' in these circumstances...BC could learn something here