Paying Wages and Keeping Records
Who must keep records?Employers must keep records of their employees, the hours they work and the wages paid. Although it is not a requirement, it is strongly suggested that employees also keep records of when they work and what they have been paid.What records are employers required to maintain?Employers must keep records for all employees that show:
How often must employers update records?Employers must ensure their records are accurate and current . Some items, such as hours of work, need daily updates. Others, such as employee addresses, should be updated when there are changes.How long must employers keep records?Employers must keep records for at least three years after records are made. Records showing addresses, dates of birth and wage changes are kept for three years after the termination of employment.When must employees be paid?Employees must be paid within 10 working days of the end of a pay period, or 10 working days from the end of employment, if the employment is terminated.How long can a pay period be?A pay period cannot be longer than 16 days because employees must be paid at least twice a month.Can employees have monthly or annual salaries?Although employees must be paid at least twice a month, how that is paid out is up to employers. If an employee is paid based on a monthly salary, it must be divided in at least 2 paymentsA monthly or annual salary can be divided into an hourly wage for record keeping. purposes, employers must record the regular and overtime wage for each employee. Can employers pay their employees differently?Employers must pay at least minimum wage, but they are free to offer and negotiate different wages and payment plans for each employee. However, employers cannot discriminate between male and female employees. Example: employers cannot pay men on a different wage scale than women, for work that is the same or substantially the same.Should employees get pay statement with their wages?Employers must give all employees written pay statements when they are paid wages. Pay statements are sometimes referred to as pay stubs.What must pay statements show?Pay statements must show:
For more information contact the Employment Standards Branch:
This is a general overview and the information used is subject to change. For detailed information, please refer to current legislation including The Employment Standards Code, or contact the Employment Standards Branch to ask for advice. Date Published: September 30, 2008 |
