Should Contractors Be Liable When Subcontractors Don't Pay Workers?
Official title: Protecting Workers from the Underground Economy in the Construction Industry Consultation
Construction workers sometimes don't get paid when subcontractors skip town or go bankrupt. Ontario is asking whether general contractors should be on the hook for those unpaid wages. Right now, workers have limited options when their direct employer doesn't pay up.
Why This Matters
Work in construction? Know someone who does? Wage theft hits this industry hard. If you've ever worried about getting stiffed by a fly-by-night subcontractor, this consultation is asking whether the law should give you more protection.
What Could Change
The Employment Standards Act could be amended to make general contractors liable for unpaid wages when subcontractors fail to pay. This would give workers another avenue to recover wages and could change how contractors vet their subcontractors.
Key Issues
- How widespread is the problem of unpaid wages in Ontario's construction industry?
- Should general contractors be held liable when subcontractors don't pay their workers?
- Are changes to the Employment Standards Act needed, or would other government action be more effective?
How to Participate
- Read the consultation summary to understand the issue of wage non-payment in construction and what the government is considering.
- Submit your feedback through the online comment form by February 2, 2026.