What to do if your employer doesn’t pay you in B.C.

If you’re not getting paid by your employer in British Columbia, you’re not alone. Whether your wages are late, missing, or being unfairly deducted, it’s important to know that most of these actions are against the law under the BC Employment Standards Act.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What to do if your employer doesn’t pay you in B.C.
• How long an employer can legally withhold wages
• What deductions are allowed from your paycheck
• What your legal options are to recover unpaid wages
• When you should speak to an employment lawyer

When Should You Get Paid in B.C.?

In British Columbia, employers must follow strict rules about how often and when they pay employees. These rules are set out in the BC Employment Standards Act.

✅ B.C. Payroll Rules – What You Need to Know

• You must be paid at least twice a month
• Your pay period can’t be longer than 16 days
• You must receive your wages within 8 days after the end of each pay period (excluding statutory holidays)

❌ Can an Employer Delay My Pay?

In most cases, no. Your employer can’t delay or withhold your pay just because:

• They’re waiting on client payments
• They’re short-staffed or behind on payroll
• There’s a dispute about hours worked
• You’re leaving the company

Even if you’re terminated for cause, you must still be paid for all hours worked, plus any outstanding wages, bonus, and vacation pay.

Can an Employer Withhold Pay in B.C.?

In almost all cases, the answer is no – your employer can’t legally withhold your wages in British Columbia.

If you’ve already done the work, you’re legally entitled to be paid in full and on time. This applies whether you’re:

• A full-time, part-time, or temporary employee
• Still working for the employer, or
• No longer with the company

🚫 Employer Can’t Withhold Pay Because of:

• A disagreement over hours worked
• A termination for cause
• You resigned without notice
• The company is having cash flow issues
• Claims that you damaged equipment or cost the company money

⚖️ What the Law Says

The Employment Standards Act of B.C. requires employers to pay all earned wages, stat holiday pay, overtime, and vacation pay on time. If your employer is withholding any of that, it could be considered a violation of your rights.

What Deductions Can Be Taken from Your Paycheque in B.C.?

Not all deductions from your paycheque are illegal – but many are, especially if you didn’t consent to them. In British Columbia, the Employment Standards Act limits what your employer can deduct from your wages.

✅ Legal Deductions from Wages

Your employer can legally deduct money from your paycheque for:

• Income tax
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions
• Employment Insurance (EI) premiums
• Court-order garnishments
• Any amount you have agreed to in writing (e.g. a charitable donation or repayment for a loan)

❌ Illegal or Questionable Deductions

Unless you’ve given written permission after the incident, your employer can’t deduct money for:

• Cash shortages (e.g. till shortages)
• Customer walkouts or dine-and-dashes
• Damaged or lost company property
• Training costs or onboarding expenses
• Performance-related issues or mistakes

These types of deductions are typically considered wage theft under B.C. law.

What to Do if Your Employer Doesn’t Pay You in BC

If your pay is missing, late, or less than expected, you need to take action right away. Unpaid wages are a serious matter in British Columbia — and your employer can be held legally accountable.

✅ Here’s what to do

1. Document the Issue. Save your pay stubs, emails, work schedules, and text messages. Write down what was owed, when it was due, and what you actually received.
2. Ask for an Explanation. Speak to your employment or HR department. Request a clear reason for the delayed or missing pay, and ask when the issue will be resolved (in writing).
3. Talk to an Employment Lawyer. A lawyer can review your situation and take action to help get you paid quickly – often without going to court.
4. File a Complaint with BC Employment Standards (Optional). You can file a complaint through the BC Employment Standards Branch, a division of the provincial government. However, it’s best to speak with an employment lawyer first to understand your full range of options.

Speak to a B.C. Employment Lawyer if You’re Not Getting Paid

If your employer is withholding your wages, delaying your paycheque, or making unauthorized deductions, you don’t have to accept it. You have strong rights under B.C. law – and our team can help you enforce them.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve helped more than 50,000 non-unionized employees across Canada recover their unpaid wages, vacation pay, overtime, severance, and compensation for wrongful dismissal.

Lost your job and still waiting to be paid?

You may be owed:

• Unpaid wages (including overtime, bonus and vacation)
• Severance pay – as much as 24 months’ pay, depending on your situation

⭐ Trusted by Thousands

With 2,000+ five-star reviews on Google, we’re one of Canada’s most respected employment law firms – and we offer no upfront fees for many wrongful dismissal and severance matters (your eligibility may vary).

You can use our Pocket Employment Lawyer to get quick answers about your rights, or try the B.C. Severance Pay Calculator to estimate what you’re owed.

Take the first step today

Call 1-855-821-5900 to speak with a B.C. employment lawyer, or fill out our confidential online form.