Can working parents be fired for staying home?

As Toronto and Peel announce schools will be closed for remote learning, working parents are once again scrambling to determine their own plans for childcare. What rights will they have to stay home? What accommodations will employers have to make for employees given the new restrictions?

Mackenzie Irwin, a Toronto employment lawyer and associate at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joins CityNews as well as 680 News with Richard Southern to discuss an employee’s childcare obligations and their workplace rights.

Can you be fired for staying home to take care of your children?

If an employee is able to work from home, an employer is obligated to allow you to do so. If an employee is unable to work from home but has childcare obligations, an employer must accommodate their request to stay home if there are no other options available.