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Labour & Employment Law Blog

Your Pay and How to Protect It: Deductions and Withholding Wages

  • 1 minute read
  • Wages
Zeilikman Law

Zeilikman Law

Your Pay and How to Protect It: Deductions and Withholding Wages

Payday is a day we all look forward to.  But, what do you do if you look at your paycheque to find missing wages or unexpected deductions?

As an employee, it’s important to know when your employer can and cannot deduct money from your pay.  Section 13 of the ESA (Employment Standards Act) outlines what deductions are allowed, and which are not.

Employers can make any statutory deductions to wages required (i.e., income tax, Canadian Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, etc.).  An employer can also garnish an employee’s wages when imposed by a valid court order.  Any other deductions can only be made when an employee has given written consent.  Moreover, such a written consent will only be valid if there is a certain amount stipulated or if there is a proper formula set in place.

Thus, employers generally have no legal right to withhold or deduct any money from a worker’s pay.  Employers cannot make deductions for faulty work, damaged property, or any missing or stolen cash, for which the employee was not responsible.

If your employer is withholding your pay or making undue deductions, you may have the option of claiming constructive dismissal (considered a termination of employment), for which you may be due termination and severance pay.  If you don’t wish to go that route, you may make a complaint to the Ministry of Labour.  It’s important to note that any reprisal made by your employer in response to a complaint is prohibited by the ESA.  If your employer punishes you in response to your complaint, they may be liable for significant damages.

Each situation is highly case-specific and it is best to seek legal advice prior to taking any steps. The route you choose to take may have serious consequences on the type of remedy you’re ultimately going to get.

The above article is for general information purposes only, does not constitute legal advice or create a solicitor-client relationship. Because each case is unique and factually driven, if you have concerns with regard to the foregoing issues, please make an appointment with one of our lawyers or a qualified legal practitioner elsewhere. We represent clients in the Greater Toronto Area including Toronto, North York, Markham, Vaughan, Thornhill, Newmarket, Aurora, Brampton, Mississauga, Barrie, Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa.

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Legal Receptionist

Zeilikman Law is an employment law firm located in Vaughan, Ontario. We are looking to hire a legal receptionist to join our firm. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working as a receptionist at another law firm.

Location: Vaughan, Ontario.

Start Date: Immediately.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Full time. In-person only. This is not a remote work position.

Wages: 35,000 to 40,000 per year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage our firm’s multi-line telephone system to receive incoming calls.  Screen incoming telephone call inquiries to determine the nature of the telephone call and provide standard information related to our legal services.  Take and deliver messages and route incoming telephone calls to the appropriate staff person.
  • Answer general inquiries coming from the firm’s social media and website email.
  • Welcome in-person visitors upon arrival.  Direct visitors to the appropriate staff person and / or office or boardroom.
  • Organize in-person visitor schedule to prevent overlap and multiple bookings.
  • Receive, sort, and distribute daily mail and deliveries.
  • Arrange for couriers.
  • Keep front reception, kitchenette area and boardroom tidy.
  • Perform various clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, and faxing on an as-needed basis.
  • Process client or other payments.
  • May be asked to run minor errands outside of office such as attending post office to arrange a courier or pick up mail.
  • May be asked to assist other law clerks or lawyers of the firm as required and as appropriate.
  • Any other basic administrative duties or tasks as deemed appropriate.

Required Skills:

  • Basic knowledge of general office procedures including filing, faxing, and printing and copying.
  • Basic word processing computer skills.
  • Proficient in receptionist and telephone practices, etiquette, and decorum.
  • Professional attitude and appearance.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Positive customer service attitude is a must.
  • Must be able to maintain confidential and sensitive information.

Education and Experience:

  • Highschool diploma or equivalent.
  • 1 – 2 years’ experience in an office setting with an emphasis in accounting, reception or clerical work is required.   We would prefer experience in a law firm environment.

Applications for this position should be sent via email to jennifer@zeilikmanlaw.com. All applications should include a cover letter, resume and at least two references. Only successful candidates will be contacted.