Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group concerning layoffs

The Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) is conducting layoffs that have many employees concerned over the severance packages being offered.

What are employees entitled too despite the pandemic? Do employees have any options to receive what they are owed? Ottawa employment lawyer Alex Lucifero joins CTV Mornings to answer these questions and more.

• 00:27 Is two months salary as a severance package enough for OSEG employees? Severance entitlements will depend and vary on age, years of service, and position.
• 1:06 What should employees not being given enough severance do? Employees should not accept sign anything on the spot and should not feel pressured to do so.
• 2:05 Are employers changing severance entitlements due to the pandemic? Many employers have been impacted due to the pandemic financially however employees should remember this should not result in a different severance calculation.
• 3:40 Who ultimately decides on the severance entitlement? Does it vary depending on the employer? The law decides the severance package and will differ depending on the employee.
• 4:25 Can employers reduce employees’ wages due to the pandemic? If a change in pay is temporary it is legal however a significant and permanent change is constructive dismissal.

Learn more about your rights during the coronavirus pandemic through our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Knowledge Centre, where you can find resources about your employment rights during COVID-19.

Contact us today to speak to an Ottawa employment lawyer about your rights or if you have recently been laid off by OSEG.