Higher wages, more vacation, more protected leave – what’s not to like?
On November 22, 2017, the Ontario government passed the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017. According to its summary, these changes were brought about because of a recognition that the economy is changing and many workers struggle to support their families on part-time, contract or minimum-wage work, and many more don’t have access to time […]
Terminations During the Probationary Period: Three Common Assumptions
Many employers like to take the first few months of a new employee’s employment to decide whether their new hire is the right addition to the team. Some like to call it a probation, others, a trial or evaluation period. Irrespective of what it is called I have noticed three recurring assumptions about this initial […]
Recent Decision on a Casual Worker’s Rights Surrounding Her Pregnancy
On January 23, 2014, the Supreme Court of Canada heard the case of Dionne c. Commission Scolaire des Patriotes. It is a case coming out of Quebec that touches on the issue of pregnancy-based discrimination and the extension of benefits to vulnerable workers. On May 1, 2014, the Supreme Court of Canada released their judgment. In […]
The State Has No Place In The Bedroom Of The Nation… But Does Your Employer?
In 1968, former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau ushered in significant changes to the Criminal Code, which had until then criminalized homosexuality, with the following well-known pronouncement: There is no place for the state in the bedroom of the nation. What is done in private between two adults does not concern the Criminal Code. Although […]
How and when to talk to HR
Employees who have the benefit of a Human Resources (“HR”) department or administrator are not always given an explanation of what role that it plays in their work lives. It is generally understood that HR may be in charge of the hiring and recruitment process and perhaps in managing benefits and leaves. They can also […]
Updated Workplace Legal Obligations
There have been developments in the laws regulating the workplace since we originally posted this article. With many of the changes coming into effect, including new Employment Standards Act, 2000 posting requirements, we thought it a good time to update and re-post this article. In addition to reaching sales goals, managing expenses, marketing, and a […]
Workplace Investigations – Best Used in Moderation?
In creating workplace policies, employers may specify that complaints brought forth by an employee will trigger an investigation. The intention is likely to ensure fairness and due process. Investigations can play a valuable role, especially in the human rights context , where allegations are serious, or where an employer is considering a dismissal for cause. […]
The $10,000 Wage Recovery Cap Has Been Lifted
One of the key changes brought about by The Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act, 2014 comes into effect today. Specifically, if an employer does not pay their employee for their work, the Ontario Ministry of Labour can now award employees for the full amount of their unpaid wages. Previously the Ministry was limited […]
Letters of Reference – Bad Idea?
Earlier this fall there was a program on the CBC’s “The Story From Here” which ran a segment about a woman named Jo who, during a job interview, learned that her former employer had refused to provide her with a reference. Her former employer had adopted a “no references policy”. Jo explained that she felt […]
