Unpaid trial shifts are not legal in British Columbia when you’re performing actual work for an employer. If a restaurant, retail store or another business asks you to work a trial shift, they must pay you for the work you do.
This applies even if you’re applying for a job, haven’t signed a contract or aren’t hired afterward.
Here’s when trial shifts must be paid, how working interviews are different and what to do if an employer refuses to pay.
💡 Know Your Rights: If you’re doing actual work during a trial shift, you must be paid. Calling it a trial, audition or unpaid assessment doesn’t remove your right to wages.
On This Page
- Are Unpaid Trial Shifts Legal?
- Trial Shifts vs. Job Interviews
- What If You’re Not Hired?
- Unpaid Training
- How Much Must You Be Paid?
- Recovering Unpaid Wages
- Frequently Asked Questions
Are Unpaid Trial Shifts Legal in BC?
No. If you’re performing work for an employer, you must be paid for that work.
Under the BC Employment Standards Act, an employer can’t avoid paying wages by calling the work a trial shift.
Examples of paid trial work include:
- Serving customers at a restaurant
- Preparing food in a kitchen
- Stocking shelves in a store
- Operating a cash register
- Cleaning or completing regular workplace duties
Even if you agree to work for free, your employer must still pay you for work covered by BC employment standards.
See our guide: Can Employer Make You Work For Free?
What’s the Difference Between a Trial Shift and a Job Interview?
A regular job interview doesn’t have to be paid. A trial shift involving actual work does.
| Activity | Payment Required? |
|---|---|
| Answering interview questions | No |
| Brief skills demonstration during an interview | Not automatically |
| Serving customers during a trial shift | Yes |
| Completing normal employee duties | Yes |
The difference is whether you’re simply demonstrating your skills or doing productive work for the business.
Do You Get Paid for a Trial Shift if You’re Not Hired?
Yes. If you performed work, you must be paid even if the employer decides not to hire you.
An employer can’t refuse payment because you:
- Didn’t pass the trial
- Weren’t offered the job
- Didn’t sign an employment contract
- Only worked one shift
Your right to payment doesn’t depend on receiving a permanent job offer.
Can Employers Require Unpaid Training in BC?
Employers must pay employees for training required to perform their jobs.
This includes learning how to use equipment, operate a cash register, serve customers or follow workplace procedures.
Training to obtain a general qualification, such as a driver’s licence or FOODSAFE certificate, doesn’t automatically count as paid working time.
How Much Must You Be Paid for a Trial Shift in BC?
You must receive at least the applicable BC minimum wage for compensable trial work.
If you’re required to report for a scheduled trial shift, BC’s minimum daily pay rules can also apply:
- Scheduled for 8 hours or less: At least 2 hours’ pay
- Scheduled for more than 8 hours: At least 4 hours’ pay
- Work longer than the minimum: Pay for all hours worked
These minimums have limited exceptions.
See our guides to minimum wage in BC and minimum shift hours in BC.
What If an Employer Refuses to Pay for a Trial Shift?
If an employer refuses to pay for work you’ve completed:
- Keep evidence. Save messages, schedules and records of the hours you worked.
- Request payment. Ask the employer to pay the outstanding wages.
- File a complaint. Contact BC’s Employment Standards Branch if payment is refused.
For more information, see our guide to recovering unpaid wages in BC.
Unpaid Trial Shifts BC: Frequently Asked Questions
Are Unpaid Trial Shifts Illegal in BC?
Yes, when you’re performing actual work for an employer. You must be paid for work covered by BC’s Employment Standards Act.
Can a Restaurant Ask Me to Work a Free Trial Shift?
No. If you’re serving customers, preparing food or performing other regular restaurant duties, the employer must pay you.
Do I Get Paid for a Working Interview?
If the interview involves actual work for the business, you must be paid. A regular interview or brief skills demonstration doesn’t automatically require payment.
Can I Agree to an Unpaid Trial Shift?
No. You can’t sign away your minimum wage rights. Even if you offer to work for free, the employer must pay you for compensable work.
Is Unpaid Job Training Legal in BC?
Training required to learn how to perform your job must be paid. Separate training for a portable qualification, such as a licence or certificate, can be treated differently.
Know Your Employment Rights in BC
Employers must pay employees for work performed, including qualifying trial shifts and required job training.
The BC employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help non-unionized employees understand their rights involving serious workplace disputes, wrongful dismissal and severance pay.
Before you sign, always check first.
➡️ Get a Consultation or call 1-855-821-5900.