By Shannon Jackson
Special to The Toronto Sun

Q:I worked for a temp agency for two weeks, and I never got paid. Is there anywhere I can go to get my money? Now I am nervous to work for agencies, but that's where a lot of the jobs seem to be.

A:Unfortunately, staffing companies do not require a licence to practise, and not all agencies adhere to the same professional standards.

With most agencies, you are responsible for reporting your time (via a time sheet). Be sure to keep the copy provided to you.

I would recommend you contact the agency you worked with and ask to speak to someone in the payroll department. Manpower, for example, has a payroll help line dedicated to managing payroll issues that may arise.

Send your job-related questions to Diane Janes at diane.janes@tor.sunpub.com, or mail to Career Connections, The Toronto Sun, 333 King St. E., 4th Floor, Toronto, Ont., M5A 3X5

Speaking directly with a company's payroll department may give you closer access to resolution.

The Association of Canadian Search, Employment, and Staffing Services (ACSESS) is the staffing industry association that governs its membership. Any staffing company that is a member of ACSESS is required to work within a code of ethics, guaranteeing responsible treatment of temporary employees. If you are unable to resolve your issue, find out if the agency is an ACSESS member, and engage ACSESS in resolution.

As someone employed in the staffing industry, I can assure you that not all agencies are the same. Working with responsible agencies, you will be paid responsibly, on a communicated schedule.

When choosing an agency to work with, visit www.acsess.org to identify agencies that have agreed to work within a code of ethics.

(Shannon Jackson is the national recruitment manager for Manpower Services Inc. www.manpower.ca)



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