CHAT News file photo

By Teagan Rasche

Chamber has some advice for those who take cash jobs

Jun 10, 2021 | 3:40 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – With school almost out for the summer, many teens will be looking for a job to earn some extra money.

For some, the idea of a cash job can be very appealing but it’s important for job seekers to make sure they take certain steps to protect themselves or they could find themselves with an empty wallet.

CHAT News has spoken to a few people who were hired to do a job but never paid for their work.

The president of the Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce, Marcus Campbell, says it’s easy for a business to give an employee a couple of hundred dollars at the end of the workday, especially when the work is seasonal.

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But Campbell says this isn’t the best practice to follow and it’s important to make sure the proper paperwork is filled out. He says young people should know their employment rights.

“The immediate risk of a cash job is insurance and the health and safety aspect of that particular job or project,” Campbell said. “If you are working for cash, you are not insured through workers’ compensation. If you’re injured, you have no recourse.”

Employment Standards Alberta says employers are obligated to keep records of employees hours of work and pay. Employees who have issues with pay can submit a complaint.