Latest Articles
The information contained below is not legal advice and is for informational purposes only.
I was hired as a remote worker. Do I have to start working from the office?
Employers generally have the right to decide whether employees work in-office or remotely. However, in some cases, an employer’s unilateral and fundamental change to an employee’s terms
BC Court: Forced Unpaid Leave for Refusing to Comply with Mandatory Vaccination Policy is Not a Constructive Dismissal
Recently the British Columbia Supreme Court ruled on the reasonability of an unpaid leave of absence for failing to comply with a mandatory vaccination policy. In Parmar v. Tribe Management Inc., 2022 BCSC 1675, the employee, Ms. Parmar had reservations about vaccination and did not qualify for an exemption (medical or religious). In December 2021 the employer placed her on an unpaid leave of absence for approximately 3 months. Parmar did not agree and demanded reinstatement, or she would treat the unpaid leave as a
Can I be Fired for Cause if I Refuse Vaccination?
Companies often have aligned interests, overlap in assets, personnel, and symbiotic relationships, and the law recognizes that they are separate and distinct entities.
Constructive Dismissal & COVID-19 Regulations: Uncertainty Remains
As Canadian communities and businesses continue to grapple with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, uncertainty remains about the impact of Ontario’s Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (IDEL) regulations on constructive dismissal claims.
Unvaccinated Employees May Not Be Eligible For EI Benefits
Last month the Government of Canada issued new guidelines for employers about issuing records of employment (ROEs) for employees who fail to comply with mandatory vaccination policies.
What You Need To Know About Mandatory Vaccination Laws In Canada
Over the course of the last two years, the world has struggled to reign in the global pandemic caused by COVID-19. Because a vaccine has been developed, mandatory lockdowns are no longer the norm, and schools and businesses can chart a path forward
Don’t Want To Go Back To Work At The Office? That Makes You Part Of The Majority
When the pandemic hit, the demands at work changed overnight. What will change when the pandemic is finally behind us? Prior to 2020, few could have imagined how quickly, and how dramatically, a global event could upend our traditional way of doing things, especially when it comes to office life.
The Pandemic-Related Temporary Layoff: Ontario Employees And Their Legal Options
Since the onset of the pandemic, employers across Ontario have been forced to institute temporary layoffs for extended periods. In many cases, employees have been temporarily laid off for several months with no clear or immediate end date in sight.
Mandatory Covid-19 Vaccination Policy Shot Down By Arbitrator
In a recent labour arbitration decision issued on November 11, 2021, Arbitrator Stout rejected an employer’s mandatory vaccination policy. The case involved a grievance by the Power Workers’ Union (“PWU”) against the mandatory vaccination policy implemented by the Electrical Safety Authority (“ESA”)
COVID Related Layoff
As of June 30, 2021, Ontario will be moving into Stage 2 of the province’s reopening plan. Despite this benchmark, many government restrictions remain in place and there is still uncertainty as to when a full reopening will happen.
Paid COVID-19 Leave Of Absence
The Ontario government has passed into law Bill 284, COVID-19 Putting Workers First Act, 2021. It amends the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”) by requiring employers to provide employees with paid infectious disease emergency (IDEL) leave of up to $200/day for a maximum of 3 days of paid leave.
COVID-19: Regulatory Update On Ontario’s 2nd Provincial Emergency
With the COVID-19 cases increasing, on January 12, 2021, the Ontario Government declared a second provincial emergency
COVID-19 REGULATORY UPDATES
Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, Toronto Public Health (TPH) issued new measures to curb the spread of infection
COVID-19: Can I Insist On Working Full-Time Again After My Temporary Layoff Period Ends?
Can I insist on working full time? If my employer does not agree to working full time, can I view this as evidence of wrongful dismissal and start legal action against my employer?
COVID-19: I’m Afraid To Take Transit To Work – Do I Have A Choice?
Despite the significant reduction in new COVID-19 cases, employees remain fearful that a return to work is unsafe due to concerns related to their daily commute to and from work.
COVID-19: Mandatory Masks In Toronto Workplaces
Effective July 7, 2020, the City of Toronto Bylaw (Bill 511) has made masks mandatory in indoor spaces until at least September 30, 2020.
COVID-19: I Have A Medical Condition And Can’t Wear A Mask At Work
Effective July 7, 2020, the City of Toronto Bylaw (Bill 511) has made masks mandatory in indoor spaces until at least September 30, 2020.
COVID-19: What If I Am Not Recalled Back To Work?
Despite some financial assistance from the provincial and federal governments including wage subsidies and access to credit, many businesses will
COVID-19: What Happens If My Employer Goes Bankrupt?
Despite the measures introduced by the federal and the Ontario governments, the sad reality is that some businesses may not survive the COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 : Can I Be Forced To Work If I Feel Unsafe?
As the Province of Ontario slowly re-opens the economy, businesses will resume operations and workers will be asked to return to work.
COVID-19: Is It Illegal To Reduce An Employee’s Pay?
Widespread business closures across the Province have caused many employers to find ways to ‘make ends meet’, including instituting pay reductions.
COVID-19: Government Benefits And Subsidies For Individuals And Businesses
Government Benefits and Subsidies for Individuals and Businesses during COVID-19. Your Questions answered.
Know Your Employment Law Rights During The COVID-19 Pandemic
We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty and anxiety about job security and income. We put together this brief Q&A to help
Temporary Layoffs During The COVID-19 Pandemic: Your Workplace Questions Answered Here
As the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic reverberate throughout the world, Ontario employers and businesses are facing some financial challenges.
