The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety is committed to ensuring the people of Saskatchewan are aware of their workplace rights and responsibilities.
Recently, the ministry has received a number of media inquiries regarding unlawful payroll deduction. Though Labour Standards has received relatively few formal complaints regarding unlawful payroll deduction, it is an issue we take seriously in Saskatchewan.
In Saskatchewan wages may only be deducted for:
Statutory requirements such as Income Tax, Employment Insurance and Canada Pension Plan, pension plans or union dues.
Voluntary deductions such as Canada Savings Bonds, charitable contributions or social funds upon employee consent.
Voluntary employee purchases.
Deductions agreed to by the majority of employees for items such as group insurance or other employee benefits.
Wages cannot be deducted for broken equipment, cash register shortages, mandatory training, improper use of company equipment or actions taken by others. Employers cannot deduct wages to compensate for a customer leaving a bar or restaurant without paying a bill, or a driver leaving a gas station without paying.
If an employee believes wages have been unlawfully deducted they are encouraged to contact the Labour Standards division of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety by calling 1-800-667-1783.
Government is working to ensure Saskatchewan workplaces are fair, safe and competitive by modernizing existing legislation that governs workplaces in the province.
The Government of Saskatchewan reminds employers and employees that information on labour relations, employment standards and occupational health and safety legislation is available online or by contacting Labour Relations and Workplace Safety.
More information on Labour Standards can be found online at www.lrws.gov.sk.ca/labour-standards, by calling 1-800-667-1783 or by visiting your local Labour Standards office.
