When, how and how much should employers pay employees?
The Act lays out when, how and how much employers must pay employees for their work.
What's considered a wage?
Wages are:
- any payment by an employer to an employee under the terms of a contract for employment;
- any payment made by an employer to an employee under the Employment Standards Act; and
- any allowance for travel as prescribed in the Regulations.
Wages are not:
- gratuities;
- money paid at the employer’s discretion and that's not related to hours of work, production or efficiency;
- damages awarded in a wrongful dismissal action;
- travel expenses; and
- other expenses.
The Act requires that employers pay their employees at least the minimum wage. The minimum wage changes each year. You can find the current rate here.
For more information
View the fact sheet on minimum wage under the Employment Standards Act.