Changes
no edit summary
== First steps if your employer is provincially regulated ==
# Contact your employer and see if you can resolve the problem directly.
# Complete and submit a [http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/self-help/welcome.htm "Self-Help Kit" ] from the Employment Standards Branch '''within six months''' of the non-payment of wages. It contains an information notice from the Employment Standards Branch, a Request for Payment, and a Fact Sheet. (See [[Employment Standards Branch]] in Part 2 the Resource List of this guide for contact and website information.)
== What happens next ==
Your employer has 15 days to respond to your Request for Payment. If he/she does not, or the matter is not resolved, you can file a complaint form with the Employment Standards Branch. (See [[Employment Standards Branch]] in Part 2 the Resource List of this guide Guide for contact information.)
The ESB staff will investigate and offer to resolve your claim through '''mediation'''. If mediation does not work, it will be sent to a hearing before an '''adjudicator''', who will hear from both sides and then make a decision called a '''determination'''.
== Where to get help==
See the [[Resource GuideList]] included in Part 2 this Guide for a list of helpful resources. Your best bets are:
* [[Employment Standards Branch]].
* [[PovNet]].
* [[Access Pro Bono]], [[Lawyer Referral Service]], [[Salvation Army Pro Bono Lawyer Consultation Program]], [[Private Bar Lawyers]].
* Clicklaw common question [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/question/commonquestion/1073 "My employer isn’t paying my wages"] for further resources.
Before meeting with a lawyer or advocate, complete the form [[Preparing for Your Interview]] included in Part 3 of this guide. Make sure you bring copies of all documents relating to your case.
== First steps if your employer is federally regulated ==