Employment Standards Claim process questions

Does anyone know if when you file an ESA claim against your employer, when it's assigned initially to an Officer, is your workplace automatically notified or does the Officer try and resolve your issue with you first?

There is a situation where my employer had us sign a new employment contract this year in Jan and said we had to take paid out vacation every cheque and didn't give us an alternative. It was always held before. I have been told by 3 ESA reps when I called the hotline this wasn't allowed and invalidates the agreement.

I brought it to the attention of my employer and they are essentially saying "Too bad, you signed" and are saying their Ministry rep said they are correct and the contract stands.

I am willing to file a claim to find out if I am right, I just don't want it going to my employer if I am wrong.

Curious as to others experiences recently.