WeightWatchers Canada cutting staff wages by 40-50%, sources claim

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is investigating reports that WeightWatchers (WW) Canada is reducing the wages of its staff by 40 to 50 per cent.

Several employees have contacted our firm — claiming that they were informed of the pay cut by email. The wage reduction is expected to take effect at the end of August.

Our experienced employment lawyers are following up with affected staff to better understand the situation.

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Can WW Canada reduce employee wages?

In Canada, employers can’t significantly reduce a non-unionized worker’s salary or commission without their consent.

This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C.

Exceptions: There are some situations where your boss might be able to cut your pay without breaching your rights:

• You signed an employment contract that gives the company permission to reduce your salary or commission
• Your employer gave you reasonable notice of the pay cut

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru breaks down everything you need to know about changes to your job on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

When substantial changes are made to the terms of your employment without your approval, such as slashing your wages by 15 per cent or more, there is a very good chance that you can treat it as a constructive dismissal.

In this situation, the law allows you to quit your job and pursue full severance pay.

If you believe that you have been constructively dismissed, don’t resign before speaking with an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
• Job changes in Ontario: Employee rights
• Changes to your employment in B.C.
• What happens when your job is changed in Alberta?

How is severance pay calculated?

Severance for non-unionized employees in Canada can be as much as 24 months’ pay.

The amount of compensation you are entitled to is calculated using several factors, including:

• Age
• Position at the company
• Length of service
• Ability to find new work

To figure out how much you could be owed, use our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator. It has helped millions of Canadians understand their severance entitlements.

If your company doesn’t provide you with the correct amount, you have been wrongfully dismissed and should contact our firm immediately.

We regularly resolve wrongful dismissal claims and can help you secure proper severance.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
• Should I negotiate my own severance package in Ontario?
• Negotiating severance in Alberta: Employee rights
• Severance negotiations in B.C.: What employees need to know

Boss cut your pay? Speak with an employment lawyer

If your salary or commission has been significantly reduced without your consent, contact the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

We can review your situation, assess your legal options, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.