Minimum Wage in Manitoba
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
If you work in a federally regulated industry — like a bank, airline, railway, telecom company, or interprovincial trucking firm — the federal minimum wage applies to you. The rate is adjusted every April 1 based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Check the current amount at canada.ca/minimum-wage.
If your province or territory has a higher minimum wage, your employer must pay you the higher amount.
When does it apply?
- You work for a federally regulated employer (banks, airlines, telecom, railways, interprovincial transport, and more).
- There is no tip exemption at the federal level — tipped workers get the same minimum wage.
- Independent contractors are not covered. If you think you've been wrongly classified as a contractor, you may still have rights.
What to Do If Your Canadian Employer Is Paying You Below Minimum Wage
- Keep every pay stub and record of hours worked.
- Talk to your employer or HR department first — the issue may be a simple payroll mistake.
- If that doesn't work, file a complaint with the Labour Program at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You have 24 months from the date of the violation.
- Call the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049 for help.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume you're stuck with a low wage — the law sets a floor your employer must respect.
- Don't quit your job before filing a complaint. You have stronger protections while still employed.
- Don't accept being called an independent contractor if you work like an employee. Misclassification doesn't erase your rights.
How Manitoba differs from federal law
Manitoba sets its own minimum wage under the Employment Standards Code, CCSM c. E110. As of October 1, 2024, Manitoba's general minimum wage is $15.80 per hour. The rate is reviewed annually and adjusted each October 1 based on the Manitoba Consumer Price Index.
- Manitoba does not have a lower minimum wage for servers or tipped employees — all workers earn at least the general minimum wage.
- There is no separate student or youth wage in Manitoba. The general minimum wage applies regardless of age.
- The minimum wage applies to most provincially regulated workers, including part-time, temporary, and casual employees. Federally regulated workers (banks, telecom, airlines) follow the federal Canada Labour Code instead.
- The Employment Standards Branch of Manitoba Labour and Immigration enforces minimum wage compliance.
Additional Steps in Manitoba
If your employer is paying below minimum wage, file a complaint with the Manitoba Employment Standards Branch online at gov.mb.ca/labour/standards or by calling 204-945-3352 (in Winnipeg) or 1-800-821-4307 (toll-free). Claims can be filed within 6 months of the wages being earned. You do not need a lawyer to file.
Relevant Law: Employment Standards Code, CCSM c. E110, ss. 10–15; Minimum Wage Regulation, Man. Reg. 62/99
Common Questions
When does minimum wage apply?
You work for a federally regulated employer (banks, airlines, telecom, railways, interprovincial transport, and more).There is no tip exemption at the federal level — tipped workers get the same minimum wage.Independent contractors are not covered. If you think you've been wrongly classified as a contractor, you may still have rights.
What should I do if my Canadian employer is paying me less than minimum wage?
Keep every pay stub and record of hours worked.Talk to your employer or HR department first — the issue may be a simple payroll mistake.If that doesn't work, file a complaint with the Labour Program at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You have 24 months from the date of the violation.Call the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049 for help.
What mistakes should I avoid with minimum wage?
Don't assume you're stuck with a low wage — the law sets a floor your employer must respect.Don't quit your job before filing a complaint. You have stronger protections while still employed.Don't accept being called an independent contractor if you work like an employee. Misclassification doesn't erase your rights.
Minimum Wage in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.