Jon Pinkus, 900 CHML, on unvaccinated employee rights

Interview Summary

As COVID-19 cases surge across the country, employers and employees have had to adapt once more to changing public health regulations. Concerns regarding Omicron have resulted in changes to vaccine mandates and policies. What rights should unvaccinated employees be aware of? Are employers able to impose vaccine policies due to the nature of the latest wave of the pandemic?

Jon Pinkus, a Toronto employment lawyer and Partner and Associate at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joins Scott Thompson on 900 CHML to answer these questions and more.

Interview Notes

• What are the legal ramifications of implementing vaccine policies for both employers and employees? What are employers able to do?
• Will vaccine policy disputes be typing up courts for some time?
• What is the grey area for workplaces regarding vaccine policies? In which areas is it permissible to mandate?
• Is every situation regarding vaccine policies in the workplace different? Have courts decided upon any vaccine regulations?
• What should employees remember if they are told they have to get vaccinated by their employer?