Updates to Harassment Law in Ontario
Ontario’s Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 (Bill 190) is updating many employment law requirements. Among its key amendments, Bill 190 introduces two important amendments for harassment law: the expansion of the definition of workplace harassment and workplace sexual harassment to include virtual harassment and the launching of a consultation process where workplace harassment occurs. […]
Sick Notes may no longer a requirement in Ontario
For years, the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”) has allowed employers to make reasonable requests of their staff to provide reasonable evidence, including a doctor’s note (or sick notes), when employees choose to use part, or all of their three sick days as provided under the ESA. While employers were never required to […]
Scotiabank layoffs: What do employees need to know?
Termination is an extremely stressful experience for employees, especially when it comes to understanding what you are owed by your employer. This can be even more true for people who work at federally regulated employers. This includes businesses like banks such as Scotiabank, or RBC, telecom businesses, or businesses in international or cross-provincial travel. Employees […]
Common ESA mistakes to avoid during terminations
Employers and human resources professionals are familiar with the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA) and that it plays a role insetting out what an employee must receive at the time of termination. However, in our practice, we have noted several common areas where there is often confusion about the specific, sometimes technical, requirements of the ESA. Further, courts […]
Mass terminations in Ontario
Most employers in Ontario are aware of the notice requirements under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (the “ESA”) in the event of a termination. However, not all employers are aware that these entitlements can increase drastically if the number of employees terminated triggers a mass termination under the ESA. What is a mass termination? A mass termination occurs if […]
Know your jurisdiction – Considerations for employers with employees in different provinces
National employers are well aware that the legislated employment standards differ widely between provinces. Keeping up with the changing law in different jurisdictions can be a challenge for companies with a workforce that is spread across the country. Since the pandemic, understanding the implications of employees working remotely from another province has also become a […]