Employment Disputes

Information for Employees

This area of the Solution Explorer is for employment disputes. It has information and self-help tools for disputes about things like losing your job, not being paid for overtime, holidays or vacation, your employer changing something about your job, and more.

If you’re not sure whether you’re considered an employee or an independent contractor, ask yourself:

  • Do I have control over when, where, and how I work? If yes, you might be an independent contractor.
  • Am I required to use my own materials, tools, or office? If yes, you might be an independent contractor.
  • Did I take on a financial risk to take part in this job or business venture? If yes, you might be an independent contractor.
  • Am I paid based on when jobs are completed, or in some way other than through regular, set amounts at set intervals? If yes, you might be an independent contractor.

If you’re an independent contractor, visit the Goods and Services area instead, as a contractor selling your services.

What You Need To Know Before You Start

  • Limitation Periods (can be different for employment issues)

    Please review this information about Limitation Periods before you start. It’s about how long you have to take action on your problem. It’s very important.

    At the end of your exploration, if you decide to make a claim for compensation with the Employment Standards Branch (ESB) instead of the CRT, you must do so within the ESB’s time limit. The time limit to make a claim with the ESB is usually 6 months. This is calculated from the date your employment ended, or the time the problem occurred (if you still work for this employer). You’ll learn more about this during your exploration.

    Learn more about CRT limitation periods.

  • Gathering Your Information

    To resolve your employment dispute, you’ll need evidence about your contract or agreement with your employer. You might have a formal written contract that states all the terms of your employment, or you might have an informal agreement.

    You might also find terms of your agreement in:

    • An offer letter you received before you started the job
    • A confirmation or orientation letter you received on your first day
    • A policy manual that sets out your working conditions
    • Emails or texts from your employer
    • Handwritten notes from your employer