Employee Rights Archives

What is the Difference Between Being Fired and Laid Off?

Though no one likes to think about it, being laid off or fired from your place of employment is a common occurrence. Despite being common, many employees are not fully aware of what layoffs are and are left wondering, is being laid off the same as being terminated? Though in many cases, a layoff sig...

Should I Hire an Employment Lawyer? How to Know When to Get Help With Protecting Your Rights

Have you heard about employment lawyers getting employees settlements for terminations, layoffs, or discrimination? If so, you might be curious about your own unique circumstances. Employees who have been terminated or are experiencing discrimination or harassment in the workplace often wonder about...

Can You Be Laid Off or Fired While on Maternity Leave in Canada? Your Guide to Protecting Your Rights While on Maternity Leave

Answer:

It is possible to be fired while on maternity leave. However, your right to return to your position after maternity leave is protected. If your employer has a legitimate reason to eliminate your role, they...

Should a Company Car Benefit Be Factored into a Severance Package?

Getting let go from your place of employment is never a welcome surprise and will often impact your life in many ways. If you are an employee who has access to a company car that can be utilized for personal use, your loss of employment might also result in a loss of transportation. It is only reaso...

Understanding When a Break Starts and Stops: What Employees Should Know

Having a break during your workday is important and it is crucial that employees understand what breaks or eating periods they are entitled to in order to protect their rights within the workplace. Though different workplaces may handle break and eating periods differently, employers are required to...

Understanding How Employment Law Protects You as an Employee in Ontario

Have you ever wondered about how employment laws help to protect workers? Employees may know about basic employee rights, such as how many breaks in a day they are entitled to or when they are entitled to overtime pay. Though they may not be aware of the many ways in which employment laws protect th...

Can a Job Offer Be Rescinded Due to a Pending Criminal Charge?

If you have been given a job offer and accepted it, you’d likely assume that it’s a done deal and nothing should prevent you from starting your new job. However, things may not always be so simple. There are a variety of reasons why an employer may wish to rescind a job offer. Pending criminal charg...

Can I Be Laid Off While on Short Term Disability?

Short term disability refers to insurance that helps to replace income while someone is off from work due to an illness or injury. As an employee, you may have short term disability insurance as part of your employment benefits. In Canada, some employees are also eligible for employment insurance be...

Can an Employer Reduce My Hours While Recovering from an Injury?

In a recent Globe and Mail article, Rahul Soni, barrister and solicitor of Soni Law Firm, was asked to answer a question provided by a reader. In this article, the reader had stated that they h...

Can You Be Fired for Not Getting a Vaccine?

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, employers and employees have been faced with many unprecedented challenges. One of the most controversial and debated issues in the workplace has been vaccine mandates. Though for some, the idea of vaccine mandates related to the work environment can feel inflammato...