MAKING OBJECTIONS
OR COMPLAINTS

For Employees not in a Union

You can make an objection that you disagree with the posted non-union pay equity plan in your workplace.

Objections should be made as soon as possible after the plan is posted, since there are time limits in the Act.

You can make a complaint that:

• Pay Equity has not been done.
• The pay equity plan that includes your job does not comply with the Act.
• The pay equity plan is not being implemented according to its terms.
• You have been fired, penalized, or harassed because of pay equity.
• There have been changes in the workplace that make the pay equity plan no longer appropriate. (For example, significant changes to job duties, or a sale of business.)
• Pay Equity is not being maintained. (For example, the male job class that your job was compared to received an increase and your job did not.)

Although there are no time limits for making complaints, they should be made as soon as you are aware of any problems.

Employees can object to a plan or bring a complaint by calling the Commission at 416-314-1896 or at 1-800-387-8813 and/or by visiting our Web site and submitting a completed complaint form by mail, e-mail, or by fax (416-314-8741), to the attention of the Case Coordinator. (The application form asks for some basic information about why you're complaining, who your employer is, and how to reach you or your employer).

You can withdraw your application at any time if you change your mind.

The Pay Equity Office will open a file as soon as possible and will send you the name of the Review Officer (RO) who has been assigned to investigate your case. If you complain that you have been penalized because of pay equity, your complaint will be handled immediately. If you need information or have a problem before you hear from an RO, contact us.

Yes.  If you want to keep your name confidential, you can indicate this on the Application. You can also have another person (called an "agent") make the objection or complaint for you, or you can make a group objection or complaint with your co-workers. However, to investigate your complaint, the Review Officer must tell your employer that a confidential complaint has been made. In some cases, your employer may have reason to identify you as the complainant, even though the Review Officer has not identified you. The Review Officer will discuss all of this with you before contacting your employer.

It depends on, for example, how complicated your case is, the number of issues, and the cooperation of those involved. While there is no typical time frame, many cases are resolved within one year.

In the greater Toronto calling area, call (416) 314-1896, or toll-free outside Toronto 1-800-387-8813, or call 1-800-387-4618 for Review Services. Client Service Representatives can answer your questions and register you for a free seminar. CSRs can also send you pay equity publications, or help you fill out an application for Review Services. You may also contact us by e-mail at pecinfo.pecinfo@ontario.ca.

All communications are confidential.