Always keep track of the hours you work and the pay you receive – both check and cash. If you get paystubs, save them.

• Keep a notebook that is just for keeping track of your hours and pay. Record your meal breaks and other times you are not working.
• Keep your records in a safe place. If you are a live-in worker, keep them in a private place. For all other workers, keep your records at home or in another safe place (not your workplace)

Keep your own records to protect your rights.

If you are a childcare provider or a caregiver, you should keep detailed record of the types of tasks you do, and the time that it took to perform the task, to see if you do more than 20% housekeeping tasks. This will determine whether or not you should be considered a personal attendant or not.

Why is it so important to keep your own records?

• Employers don’t always keep records or keep accurate information about your hours and pay.
• You may need records later to help prove you are owed wages, so you can use them as evidence to get paid correctly!
• Keeping track of your hours each day can help you figure out if you missed meal or rest breaks, and if you can claim an extra hour of pay for not having received those breaks.
• You can also keep track of how much sick time you have accrued.