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According to the Employment Standards Act, employees are not entitled to paid vacation time during their first year of employment. That is because employees accrue entitlement to vacation as they work. In other words, an employee who works one full year, is entitled to two weeks of vacation. Notwithstanding this, many employers allow their employees …

“Negative Vacation Banks” are contrary to the Employment Standards Act Read More »

The forces of global competition now pervade the economy, where advanced communications have made possible competition from around the world even for skilled service work. This trend has encouraged looser employment relationships as employers seek greater flexibility. Employers frequently hire temporary workers and purported ‘contractors’ with the aim of limiting their obligations to those workers. …

Independent Contractor Arrangements Under Attack Read More »

When confronted with an employment issue it is typically best and most desirable to act fast towards resolving your matter, which may involve starting some sort of legal claim. As there are multiple avenues to choose from, with some offering greater or different benefits than others, one should be mindful that starting a claim in …

Ministry of Labour Complaints – Pros and Cons Read More »

Solicitor-client privilege imparts a right to confidentiality for the documents that contain the legal advice provided by lawyers to their clients, or the advice sought by the clients.  It is an important component of access to justice intended to allow unfettered access to legal advice without a fear that the act of seeking advice could …

No Privilege for an Employee Satisfaction Survey in a Class Action for Unpaid Overtime – Toronto Employment Lawyer Read More »

Before commencing employment new employees are often asked to sign an employment contract as a condition of starting in that role. This contract may contain a termination clause that outlines the circumstances of when the employer can terminate the relationship and what the employee’s entitlements would be if that happens. In Ontario, if there is …

Clauses for Termination for “Cause” Within Employment Agreements – Toronto Employment Lawyer Read More »

When Premier Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservatives were elected, they proposed many changes to the way in which Ontario was to be governed. To make these changes, the Ford government tabled many bills, one of which was the omnibus, Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2019. Bill 66 is not to be confused with …

The consequences of Bill 66: Changes to averaging agreements may strain employer-employee relationships Read More »

Canada is a country distinguished by, and proud of, its diversity.  This diversity manifests itself in the employment world, as many foreign nationals travel to Canada to work temporarily and gain valuable Canadian work experience.  It is important to know that temporary foreign workers (“TFW”) have rights that must be respected in the workplace.  There …

The Rights of Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada – Toronto Employment Lawyer Read More »

On December 13, 2018, the federal government’s Bill C-86, which among other things establishes a new Pay Equity Act (the “Act”), received royal assent.  The Act will create new requirements for federally regulated employers with the goal of ensuring that compensation of all employees who are in female-dominated jobs are brought up to the level …

Preparing for Federal Pay Equity – Toronto Employment Lawyer Read More »

Being terminated from a job is something that can turn a person’s world upside down. Questions immediately arise, such as why were you terminated? Was there another reason? Are you getting a fair offer? What do you do next? Fortunately, we have numerous pieces of legislation that seek to protect both employees and employers in …

Choosing the Right Venue for Your Employment Matter – Toronto Employment Lawyer Read More »

Job abandonment is when an employee leaves work with the intention of not returning, typically asserted not when an employee indicates they are resigning but fails to return to work. While it is related to the concept of resignation it is separate in that it occurs when the implied term of attending work is breached …

What is job abandonment and what you can do about it? Read More »