Ministry of Labour Complaints in Ontario: Should You File One?

Filing a complaint with the Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) may seem like the fastest way to deal with a workplace problem — but it’s not always the right move.

The MOL can only enforce minimum rights under the Employment Standards Act (ESA), such as unpaid wages, overtime, or vacation pay. But if you’ve been let go from your job, you are likely entitled to much more compensation — as much as 24 months’ pay. Filing a complaint with the Ministry could stop you from getting it.

Here’s what every non-unionized employee in Ontario should know before filing a Ministry of Labour complaint.

What Does the Ontario Ministry of Labour Do?

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is the government body responsible for enforcing Ontario’s workplace laws.

The Ministry:

• Enforces the Employment Standards Act (ESA) for things like unpaid wages and overtime
• Investigates workplace complaints filed by employees
• Oversees workplace health and safety (under the Occupational Health and Safety Act)
• Educates both employers and employees on their legal rights and obligations

What Can You File a Ministry of Labour Complaint About?

The MOL handles complaints involving violatuons of the Employment Standards Act (ESA). These are typically about day-to-day workplace rights and minimum entitlements.

You can file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour for:

• Unpaid wages
• Overtime violations
• Public holiday pay issues
• Vacation pay problems
• No termination or severance pay (ESA minimum only)
• Lack of breaks or rest periods
• Missing Record of Employment (ROE)
• Misclassification as an independent contractor
• Unsafe working conditions (including extreme hot or cold)

What the Ministry of Labour Can’t Do

If you’ve been let go from your job or wrongfully dismissed in Ontario, the Ministry of Labour can’t help you get the full severance pay you may be owed under common law — which can be as much as 24 months’ compensation.

The Ministry can only enforce the bare minimum termination payset out in the Employment Standards Act (ESA), such as 1 week per year of service, up to a maximum of 8 weeks in most cases.

That means you give up the right to:

• Pursue a full severance package
• Claim damages for bad faith or constructive dismissal in Ontario
• Hold your employer accountable for termination without cause

This applies even if your employer:

• Pressured you to resign
• Fired you for asking about your rights
• Failed to give a valid reason or fair severance

Filing a Ministry of Labour Complaint vs. Suing for Severance

Before filing a Ministry complaint, it’s important to know what’s at stake. Choosing the wrong option can cost you tens of thousands in severance.

Here’s how a Ministry of Labour complaint compares to taking legal action with the the help of an emoloyment lawyer.

Can I Withdraw a Ministry of Labour Complaint?

Yes — If you filed a complaint but had second thoughts, you may still have time to protect your rights.

Under Section 97(4) of Ontario’s ESA, you can withdraw your complaint within 2 weeks of filing and still pursue a full severance claim through an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Ministry of Labour Complaint Contact Info

If you still wish to file a complaint, you can do so directlty through the Ministry of Labour. But be cautious — doing so may limit your ability to claim full severance.

• 📱 Ministry of Labour Complaint Contact Phone Number: 1-800-531-5551

You can also file a complaint online through the Ministry’s website.

Speak to an Employment Lawyer in Ontario

If you’ve been let go or treated unfairly at work, don’t rely on the Ministry of Labour for full compensation. You may have a legal claim for up to 24 months’ pay — or tens of thousands of dollars.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve helped over 50,000 non-unionized employees across Ontario protect their rights and secure what they’re legally owed.

• 👥 Over 50,000 clients helped across Canada
• 💰 Millions recovered in severance and compensation
• ⚖️ No win, no fee — you don’t pay unless we win*
• ⭐ 2,283 5-star Google reviews across Ontario (4.8 average)
• 🏆 Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by The Globe and Mail

* Conditions apply. Not all cases qualify.

Contact us now to find out what you’re owed. Book your consultation or call 1-855-821-5900.