Nail Fix in the 6ix Owes Over $50,000 in Wages and Penalties: Report

By Lior Samfiru, Employment Lawyer, Samfiru Tumarkin LLP

Nine workers at Toronto nail salon chain Nail Fix in the 6ix were still waiting to be paid despite Ministry of Labour orders totalling more than $50,000, according to an October 10, 2026 report in the Toronto Star.

The reported total includes unpaid wages, withheld tips, penalties and collection fees. The business, which operates in Leslieville and Scarborough, remained open at the time of the report.

What Happened At Nail Fix in the 6ix?

The Star profiled former employee Farah Yeo, who said she was still owed more than $13,000 in wages and tips over seven months after the ministry ordered payment. She performed nail services, worked at the front desk and cleaned, but said her pay repeatedly fell short.

Yeo described the experience as “traumatizing.” She told the Star that promises of payment kept being delayed.

Co-owner Monique Joustra acknowledged the unpaid amounts in the Star’s reporting. She and co-owner Richard Brady attributed the financial difficulties to a delayed opening of the Leslieville location and mounting expenses.

The owners said they were discussing a payment plan with Ontario’s Ministry of Finance. They did not provide a timeline for repaying the workers in full.

Can An Employer Withhold Pay Because Business Is Struggling?

No. Financial problems don’t cancel an employer’s obligation to pay earned wages by the regular payday. Rent, financing costs and promises of future investment don’t erase what employees are owed.

Employees can also have claims for unpaid overtime and withheld tips. An employer can’t simply keep employees’ tips to cover rent or other business debts. Our guide to withholding pay in Ontario explains your wage-payment rights.

Can Unpaid Wages Lead To A Severance Claim?

Yes. Serious or repeated failures to pay wages can amount to constructive dismissal in Ontario. This means the employer’s actions have effectively ended the employment relationship, even without a formal firing. Get legal advice before quitting.

Money owed for work you’ve already done is separate from compensation for losing your job. Non-unionized employees who are fired or constructively dismissed can be owed substantially more than Ontario’s minimum payments. Ontario severance pay can reach 24 months’ pay, depending on factors such as age, length of service, role, employment contract and the availability of similar work.

Should You File A Ministry Of Labour Complaint?

An Ontario Ministry of Labour complaint can help address unpaid wages. If you’ve also lost your job or believe you’ve been forced out, speak with an employment lawyer before choosing how to pursue compensation.

A complaint for termination or severance pay can prevent you from suing for wrongful dismissal over the same job loss. If you’ve already filed a claim or received an order, have that paperwork reviewed before starting another claim.

An order to pay doesn’t guarantee that the money will be collected. The Nail Fix report illustrates that gap. An employment lawyer can assess what recovery options remain and whether they are practical.

What Should Employees Do About Missing Pay?

1. Save the evidence. Keep pay stubs, bank records, work schedules, tip records and messages about missing pay.
2. Ask for an explanation in writing. Identify the missing amount and ask when it will be paid.
3. Get advice before resigning or signing a release. Your response can affect your right to additional compensation. An employer’s signing deadline is different from your legal deadline.
4. Document threats or pressure. Your employer can’t punish you for asking it to respect your employment standards rights. That’s considered a reprisal in Ontario.

Get Advice Before You Quit Or Sign

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP’s Toronto employment lawyers help non-unionized employees address unpaid compensation and severance. We can assess what you’re owed, explain your options and pursue the compensation available to you.

Before you sign, always check first.

Sources

• Toronto Star: Ghada Alsharif’s October 10, 2026 report on Nail Fix in the 6ix
• Ontario: Payment of wages
• Ontario: Tips and other gratuities
• Ontario: Termination of employment

Disclaimer: This article summarizes the Toronto Star’s October 10, 2026 report, including the owners’ response. It does not make additional allegations against Nail Fix in the 6ix or its owners. The legal discussion provides general information, not legal advice or a determination that any particular worker has a constructive dismissal or severance claim. Individual rights and the ability to recover compensation depend on the circumstances and applicable law.