Security Guard Claims Almost $2K in Unpaid Wages

A security guard from London, Ont., claims he hasn’t been paid for most of his work over the past few months, and says he’s owed nearly $2,000.

Zikun Xu alleges that his employer, Corporate Protection & Investigative Services, has only paid him $180 since January, despite him working almost 148 hours at a rate of $19 per hour. He estimates he is owed about $1,948 and mentions that other workers have similar complaints.

“We are struggling a lot,” Xu said. “I never imagined they wouldn’t pay me.”

Xu moved to Canada in 2023 and took this job to help with living expenses while staying with his girlfriend. He followed up with the employer about the missing pay and was initially told to wait a few days.

After reaching out again, Xu received an email stating that the company accepted what it referred to as a verbal resignation. This experience made him doubt whether Ontario’s system does enough to safeguard workers.

I thought being a worker in Canada would have better protection, but it seems in reality that is not the case.- Zikun Xu

“I felt bullied and very helpless,” he said. “I thought being a worker in Canada would have better protection, but it seems in reality that is not the case.”

In response to CBC’s inquiries, Corporate Protection & Investigative Services stated that they faced payroll challenges between late 2023 and early 2024. They attributed these delays to late payments from clients and mentioned they are working on resolving these issues.

“We understand the impact that any payroll delay can have on employees, and we sincerely sympathize with those who were affected,” said Ken Vongkham, the company’s president and chief executive officer.

Pay expectations and the law

Documents reviewed by , including Xu’s employment agreement, indicate that employees should be paid biweekly for hours worked during the previous pay period; however, “occasional delays may occur due to administrative or banking processes beyond the company’s control.”

Xu began working in mid-January expecting payments according to this schedule but claims this didn’t happen.

“He said my pay would be deposited in a few days so I waited for weeks but didn’t see my pay,” Xu shared. “I emailed again asking when I would be paid but didn’t get a reply.”

Records reviewed show Xu worked 65.5 hours between Jan. 17 and Jan. 30, earning $1,244.50 before deductions. After deductions – including a uniform fee of $250 – his net pay was calculated at $714.44; however, only $180 was issued as partial payment with the rest marked as outstanding.

XU mentioned his last day of work was Feb. 21 and reported not receiving any further payment since then.

Advocates say Xu’s situation highlights a broader issue within Ontario where wage theft is still common.

A report from Workers’ Action Centre found that in 2025 sixty percent of surveyed workers experienced at least one violation related to their pay while fifty-one percent claimed they weren’t compensated for all hours worked. The report estimates almost $200 million in unpaid wages has been recorded through Ontario’s complaint system over the last decade though much of it remains unrecovered.

Jody Brown, an employment lawyer with Goldblatt Partners explained that under Ontario law employers must compensate workers for every hour they’ve worked regularly according to schedule.

“The basic requirement is you record hours and pay at least minimum wage for those hours or more than minimum if that’s what you’ve agreed upon,” he noted. “Generally speaking you need to make timely payments after work has been completed.”

The Employment Standards Act mandates employers must disburse all earned wages no later than each scheduled payday per pay period unless employment ends where any pending wages should be settled within seven days or by next regular payday whichever comes later.

If someone gets terminated after requesting their wages Brown added they might explore additional legal options available to them too.

Delays in recovering unpaid wages

The consequences can hit hard financially especially on those earning close minimum wage when payments are delayed according to Brown.

”People need their salaries just like anyone else: food , housing etc.” ”If you’re putting someone through hassle trying recover unpaid earnings , that could lead into eviction or inability meet basic needs”

It can take time pursuing unpaid earnings adding even more stress particularly involving legal actions/complaints administratively.

Emails presented revealed when Xu highlighted concerns about his compensation saying he’d reach out Ministry Labor, Vongkham replied indicating process could drag on months.

Xu expressed feeling powerless following this interaction.

”You are boss. You should follow law”he stressed.”I found unbelievable.”

The company asserts majority its workforce compensated according relevant laws while matters raised province under review handled appropriately via existing processes.

“There’s this painful irony where workers might end up spending money trying recoup funds never received”Brown emphasized.

Calls stronger enforcement

Dena Ladd executive director Workers’ Action Centre pointed out decline recent years inspections fines prosecutions Ministry Labour.

“There exists huge power imbalance between employer worker,” she added.”They realize speaking up could cost them job which many can’t afford lose”.

“Reality many individuals feel their employers disregard laws currently. The tools enforce rules aren’t utilized effectively,”she mentioned.”If laborers cannot count getting paid properly entire system risks falling apart”.

XU confirmed filing complaint Ministry Labour awaiting review progress concerning case ahead hoping sharing story assists preventing others facing identical scenarios.

“All want receive compensation deserving from work performed,”Xu stated.

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