On February 26, 2021, the Ontario Government ended the second declaration of emergency regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. For employees and employers, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ontario government made a regulation that changed certain Employment Standards Act (ESA) rules during the “COVID-19 period”. The government extended the COVID period to July 30, 2022. The COVID period runs from March 1, 2020 to July 30, 2022.
What does this mean for employees now that the Ontario Emergency Leave is revoked?
- Employees will have to be recalled to their pre COVID-19 position, or a comparable position on the same terms and rate of pay by July 30, 2022.
- Up to July 30, 2022, affected employees will continue to be on the infectious disease emergency leave.
What happens if an employee is not put back to work on the same terms by July 30, 2022?
- If an employee does not return to their position with the same rate of pay, the employee may have a claim for constructive dismissal. Once it becomes apparent that the employer does not intend to offer the employee the same terms, the employee should get legal advice from an employment lawyer right away to find out what their rights are.
- Employers may also try to introduce new contracts to employees prior to or on their return to work. Generally, employees should be able to return to their position without signing anything and should be concerned about signing a new contract. It is important to have an employment lawyer review the new proposed contract before signing.
- After the July 30, 2022 deadline, employers may try to place employees on a temporary layoff pursuant to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) since the previously temporarily laid-off employees were put on leave. The ESA allows for a temporary layoff to be up to 13 weeks or up to 35 weeks under a very specific set of circumstances. That said, the large majority of written (or unwritten) employment contracts do not permit the employer to put employees on a temporary layoff, and the employee should get legal advice on their options. Employees may be able to claim constructive dismissal if they have been laid off.
Employment lawyers at Monkhouse Law focus on the rights of employees and resolving employment law matters in your best interest. If you are being faced with a difficult situation at work, call us today for a free 30-minute consultation.
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Toronto Employment Lawyers at Monkhouse Law
Employment Lawyers at Monkhouse Law specialize in Employment Law, Human Rights Law, and Disability Insurance Law. We serve employees, independent contractors and employers, and strive to get optimal results for every client through skilled advocacy and research on each matter. We have successfully represented clients before all levels of court in Ontario, including the Superior Court, the Divisional Appeals Court, and the Court of Appeal as well as the Supreme Court of Canada.
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