Rising concerns from parents and educators on returning to school

With a return to school approaching, classrooms in the fall will be different for teachers and students. Parents, as well as educators, have growing concerns over their employment rights during these times. Ottawa employment lawyer Alex Lucifero joins Leslie Roberts on Ottawa Now to discuss what employers and employees should expect in the fall.

What They Discussed

• Can a teacher refuse to return to work and instead ask to work from home online?
  If an employer has ensured a safe and accomodating workplace and is requesting a return to work, they are obligated to return.
• Some teachers are now teaching online and in the classroom. Could they ask for a pay increase or refuse to do both? 
  Recourse would have to be filed through the union, but it is reasonable to file a grievance.
• If a parent chooses not to send their child to school in September, what options will they have with their employer who is asking them to return to work?  
  As there is a reasonable alternative to childcare with schools open, the employee will bear this responsibility, not the employer, there is no obligation to accommodate this choice.
• The Prime Minister has stated everyone on CERB will be transitioned to EI in September. What will this mean for employees?
  The state of the economy will determine how many employees have to turn to Employment Insurance or be able to find work.