My employer hasn't paid me — what do I do?

File a labour standards complaint with the CNESST. It investigates and can recover amounts owed, and the service is free to employees.

How long do I have to complain?

Deadlines vary by complaint type and several are short — the dismissal complaint period in particular. Contact the CNESST promptly rather than waiting.

I disagree with a CNESST decision.

You can contest it at the Tribunal administratif du travail within the period stated in the decision. That deadline is strict.

Does the CNESST cover harassment?

Yes. Psychological and sexual harassment complaints can be filed with the CNESST, which may refer matters to the TAT.

CNESST — Quebec Labour Standards, Pay Equity & Workplace Injury

CNESST

Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail

The CNESST administers Quebec's labour standards, pay equity, occupational health and safety, and workplace injury compensation. It is the first stop for unpaid wages, labour standards complaints, harassment complaints and injury claims — and its decisions can be contested at the Tribunal administratif du travail.

What it does

Investigates labour standards complaints including unpaid wages and vacation
Administers workplace injury and occupational disease compensation
Enforces occupational health and safety obligations
Handles psychological and sexual harassment complaints
Oversees pay equity compliance

Matters it hears

Unpaid wages, overtime, vacation and statutory holidays
Dismissal without just and sufficient cause complaints
Workplace injury and occupational disease claims
Workplace harassment complaints
Pay equity disputes

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Tribunal administratif du travail (TAT).

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

My employer hasn't paid me — what do I do?: File a labour standards complaint with the CNESST. It investigates and can recover amounts owed, and the service is free to employees.
How long do I have to complain?: Deadlines vary by complaint type and several are short — the dismissal complaint period in particular. Contact the CNESST promptly rather than waiting.
I disagree with a CNESST decision.: You can contest it at the Tribunal administratif du travail within the period stated in the decision. That deadline is strict.
Does the CNESST cover harassment?: Yes. Psychological and sexual harassment complaints can be filed with the CNESST, which may refer matters to the TAT.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with CNESST. Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.