Boss refuses to pay new hire for training period, leading employee to accuse boss of going against the law, only to get fired on the spot: ‘She told me to hand in my uniform’

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Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Jan 2, 2025 1:00 PM EST

It is unfortunately not uncommon for bosses and managers to attempt to take advantage of new hires and their inexperience on the job, which, if you think about it, can be quite daunting for people just starting out their careers. Instead of relying on your new boss and counting on them to help you adjust to the job, you are forced to be wary of them and their interests, because they might take advantage of you without your knowledge. 

It seems like the only way to avoid this fate, is by coming extremely prepared and fully knowing your rights before starting your first job. It's not easy, but is possible – Carefully go over your contract, ask all the questions you might have, get everything in writing, and you might just be fine. Even if you don't know all your rights, coming prepared might deter any exploiting bosses from trying to pull anything on you, so at least you have that.

One place to learn a lot about what is right and wrong in the workplace is Reddit, and the employee who wrote this story gave us the perfect example. This new hire knew that by law, they are entitled to get paid for all the training hours they have put in their new job. So when their boss tried to back out of paying them for their training, they immediately knew how to handle the situation, but it still led to quite a dispute…

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  • 01
    "None of the new hires were paid for training"
    via Everyday better to do everything you love
  • 02
    Employer backtracked as soon as I mentioned the ESA regarding paid training??
    via Chief_Queef123
  • 03
    My first paycheck for my new part time fast food job was less than half the amount I was expecting, and after messaging my manager about
    via Chief_Queef123
  • 04
    it, she claimed that I was clearly told that training was unpaid. Not only was I never told that, but it's also illegal in Ontario under the ESA.
    via Chief_Queef123
  • 05
    She continued to tell me that none of the new hires were paid for training and doubled down on the fact that everyone was told this, and then told me to hand in my
    via Chief_Queef123
  • 06
    uniform. As soon as I mentioned that it's illegal to not pay for training under the ESA in Ontario, she immediately backtracked, saying she will speak to the
    via Chief_Queef123
  • 07
    payroll operator tomorrow and that my payment is likely just on hold till next period. She then called me and assured me that I'll definitely be paid for training, and that
    via Chief_Queef123
  • 08
    my case is different because unlike the other hires, I'm a resident of Canada and not an international student. She then told me I can continue to work there and don't have to hand in my uniform.
    via Chief_Queef123
  • 09
    Cheezburger Image 10449298432
    via olga_prava
  • 10
    I'm pretty sure she realized I wasn't some naive international student and can't just be easily exploited like that. Should I report this to my local labor board? I have screenshots of the entire conversation.
    via Chief_Queef123

  • Not only did this boss try to back out of paying employees the money they earned and deserve, but she also refused to back down when she was called out on it. But the audacity really showed its true face when the boss tried to fire a new hire for knowing what they truthfully deserved.

    In this case, being familiar with the law not only helped the new hire get the pay they are owed, but it also helped save their job (not that this job is such a catch, if we're being honest).

    That can be a lesson learned to us all – how crucial it is to educate ourselves about workplace laws and rules, so that we won't be taken advantage of by bosses like these. In addition, learning to stand our ground and not back down when we know something is wrong is no less important, and can be used in almost every aspect of life.

    While we all do that, this new hire will be reporting their boss and that workplace to the labor board, and we will sit tight to read any updates that might follow.

  • 11
    CurrentlyBothered Yes, report, if not for yourself then for everyone that didn't notice that, who they already stole time and money from
    via CurrentlyBothered
  • 12
    Chief Queef123 OP I suspect I will be slowly given little to no hours and let go for "performance reasons" in the coming days. Will report
    via Chief_Queef123
  • 13
    stafford_fan Call the Mol. Start looking for a new job. They'll likely find a reason to let you go soon.
    via stafford_fan
  • 14
    Chief Queef123 OP Yeah I suspect the same
    via Chief_Queef123
  • 15
    CollectionStriking Ya sounds like they just got caught and attempting to back pedal, definitely report and leave a lil tip to the other workers to report as well...
    via CollectionStriking
  • 16
    OP will probably get fired in retaliation and that's a hole process on its own to get anything out of it but in this case it's just a fast food gig, OP shouldn't have a hard time finding something else
    via CollectionStriking
  • 17
    Chief Queef123 OP Yeah I have considered my days there numbered. I'll likely get reduced hours and be let go very soon for "performance concerns" or something of the sort. Thank
    via Chief_Queef123
  • 18
    God I'm financially comfortable, but I know for a fact that my international student coworkers aren't as fortunate as I am and hopefully the company is forced to pay them atleast.
    via Chief_Queef123
  • 19
    ChefCurry YumYum If it was me I would be telling every other new hire about this and how it's illegal and how to report it. I would also still report it myself.
    via ChefCurryYumYum
  • 20
    Chief_Queef123 OP Exactly what I plan on doing yeah
    via Chief_Queef123
  • 21
    Psycho_pigeon007 Profit Is Theft I'll add that OP should definitely also tell their coworkers about the ESA, and get them paid too. Sow that company, make them pay (figuratively and literally)
    via Psycho_pigeon007
  • 22
    Chief Queef123 OP I will try!
    via Chief_Queef123
  • 23
    phantom--warrior Have you alternatively looked at more slow pace jobs like after hours security. Pay is about the same but work environment is much more relaxed.
    via phantom--warrior
  • 24
    Chief Queef123 OP Yeah I'm done with fast food. I get enough stress at university
    via Chief_Queef123

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salary boss workplace-stories employee fired manager job tales-from-the-workplace new hire reddit story ceo workplace training paycheck Reddit company money
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