Wrongful Dismissal
Wrongful dismissal cases can greatly vary and damages incurred for wrongful dismissal can as well. Understanding the extent of your rights and entitlement can be difficult, and therefore it is always wise to consult a wrongful dismissal lawyer before taking action.
Regardless of what you call it — losing your job, being laid off, or being fired — having your employment terminated is a stressful and upsetting event.
If it does happen, however, you need to put a plan in place. The following 10 tips will help you navigate and take control of this difficult situation.
Remain polite and courteous:
This can be much easier said than done. When you get fired, you may feel angry, sad, betrayed, fearful, rejected, resentful, relieved — or perhaps a mix of everything. Despite this, you need to stay calm and professional in your dealings with your former employer — take the high road. Conduct yourself with class and leave with your head high.Return all company-owned property:
During your employment you may have been provided with keys, a parking pass, confidential documents, a laptop or smartphone. If this applies to you, the company will likely request an immediate return of these items. Comply with this request in good faith. Do not provide any reason to the employer to allege that you have stolen its property or are unreasonable to deal with.Ensure you have a copy of your employment contract and the termination letter:
If you signed a written employment contract at any time before or during your employment relationship, make sure that you have a copy of it before you leave your employer's premises for the last time. The same applies to a copy of any subsequent termination letter. These documents are critical to determining the damages to which you are legally entitled.Do not sign anything:
Often employers request that upon termination, employees sign a 'Full & Final Release'. This document effectively tries to release the employer from any claims you may have. Do not sign this document until you have had the opportunity to review with a lawyer.Speak to a lawyer:
Reaching out to a lawyer can seem scary. The reality is, however, that a qualified employment lawyer will be able to quickly assess your situation and advise as to your rights and whether the employer has treated you fairly.Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits:
Apply for EI benefits as soon as possible. Your employer must provide your Record of Employment to you within 5-days of your last pay period — so make sure you have this too.Learn your entitlements under the Employment Standards Act:
In Ontario, the Employment Standards Act requires employers to pay termination and severance pay when they fire an employee. This is a legal obligation that cannot be negotiated or bargained for — they must pay it. This amount, however, is a bare minimum, and often you can be entitled to much more.Learn about reasonable notice:
Absent clear wording in your employment contract that limits your entitlements to bare minimums under the Employment Standards Act, you must be provided reasonable notice of termination, or pay in lieu thereof. To assess the appropriate period of reasonable notice for which you should be paid, factors like your age, length of service and the nature of your job are relevant. Reasonable notice can significantly increase your entitlement to payment on termination.Mitigate loss of income:
When you are fired, you have an obligation to look for a new job to reduce your loss of income. So, set aside time and fix up your CV, look online and in print for a new job, reach out to contacts in your industry for help and referrals and maybe consider setting up something like a Linkedin profile. Also, keep a record of any jobs that you do apply for, to show your efforts in this regard.Move forward:
This is a difficult time in your life, but move forward from it. Take care of yourself — keep a regular routine, eat healthily and exercise. Try to use this as an opportunity to find a new and better job.
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Severance Packages
If you do not have a written employment contract, you are entitled to Common Law Reasonable Notice. If you do have a written employment contract, depending on its wording, your entitlement to severance will fall into one of 3 camps.
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Wrongful Dismissal
Wrongful dismissal cases can vary greatly and damages incurred for wrongful dismissal can, as well. Understanding the extent of your rights and entitlement can be difficult. It is always wise to consult a wrongful dismissal lawyer before taking action.
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Constructive Dismissal
Constructive dismissal is a legal term used to describe conduct, or requirements made of you, which are so at odds with your job that it amounts to a fundamental breach of your employment contract. This breach allows you to act as though you have been fired and seek damages.
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Employment Contract Review
If you have a new job, you may be feeling very positive about it right now but it's important to fully understand exactly what you're getting into. Your contract will be in force not just during the first exciting days at your new job, but during times of trouble and at the end of your term, whether you are fired or choose to resign.
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Canada Pension Plan Disability Claims
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Human Rights and Discrimination
Discrimination refers to an action or a decision that treats a person negatively as a result, for example, of their race, age or sex. In Ontario, the law protects against discrimination on an enumerated characteristic protected by human rights law.
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Restrictive Covenants
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Denial of Disability Benefits
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Workplace Privacy
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Pregnancy and Parental Leave
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What is 'Just Cause' for Dismissal?
If you are fired for just cause, you will likely face a number of problems. These can include your former employer refusing to provide severance, Service Canada denying your application for Employment Insurance ("EI") benefits and potential negative work references while seeking re-employment.
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Non-Compete/Solicitation Agreements
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Without Cause Termination and Employment Standards
Terminating an employee without cause, often due to financial or restructuring reasons, requires adherence to the Employment Standards Act, 2000. This overview explains the employer's obligations for providing notice or pay in lieu and outlines severance pay entitlements in Ontario.
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Employment Standards Act (ESA)
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Types of Discrimination in the Workplace
The Ontario Human Rights Code outlines various types of workplace discrimination, stemming from negative stereotypes and biases. It covers a broad range of grounds including age, sex, race, disability, marital and family status, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, and discrimination due to association, each defined with examples to illustrate how they manifest in the workplace.
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Vacation Pay
Navigating vacation pay in Ontario can be complex, but understanding it is crucial for both employers and employees. This guide breaks down the key aspects of vacation pay as outlined in the Employment Standards Act, 2000, ensuring clarity on what's included, what's excluded, and how it's calculated.
A Proven Track Record of Legal Success
Employment and Labour Laws are not always straightforward, but whether you are an employee or an employer, understanding your rights and duties will only stand to benefit you. Reach out to an employment lawyer or labour lawyer today if you have any questions and be sure to get what you deserve and safeguard yourself for the future. The lawyers at Vey Willetts LLP have a proven track record and are happy to assist. Our Ottawa employment lawyers and labour lawyers serve clients throughout both Ottawa and Ontario.
Call us today at 613-238-4430, 1-800-296-7989 or fill out our online form.