Changes to your job in Ontario: Overview of Employee Rights

Can my employer make changes to my job?

When your employer makes changes to your job in Ontario, it’s essential to know your rights as a non-unionized employee. From shifts in your work location to reductions in pay, significant changes to your role can have serious implications.

This blog provides an overview of the types of changes employers commonly make, along with links to more detailed resources on how to protect your rights.

Watch: What You Need to Know About Changes to Your Job

To better understand your rights when your employer makes changes to your job, watch this helpful episode from our Employment Law Show. In this video, our team explains how the law protects employees in Ontario and what to do if your job is affected.

Common Job Changes and Employee Rights

Here are some of the most common changes employees face in the workplace. For a deep dive into your rights for each situation, explore the linked guides below.

• Changes to Pay: If your employer has reduced your salary, bonus, or commission, find out what you can do by reading Can An Employer Lower Your Wage in Ontario?.
• Changes to Work Hours: Learn about your options when your employer changes your shift, in Can My Employer in Ontario Change My Schedule?, or if they reduce your hours in Can My Employer Cut My Hours in Ontario?.
• Relocation: If you’re being asked to move to a new work location, discover your rights in Can Employers in Ontario Force Staff to Relocate?.
• Changes to Job Duties: When your employer adds or changes your responsibilities, visit Can My Employer Change My Job Description Without My Consent? and Can My Employer Increase My Workload?.
• Demotion or Loss of Hours: Learn how to respond if your employer demotes you or gives your hours to someone else in What to Do If Your Employer Gives Your Hours Away in Ontario.
• Going from Full to Part-time Hours: Find out if your boss has the ability to make you part-time by reading Can My Employer Force Me to Work Part-Time in Ontario?.
• Change to Employment Contract: See what your employer is prevented from changing in your employment contract by reading Employment Contracts in Ontario.

What to Do When Your Job Changes

If your employer makes a significant change to your job, here’s what you should do to protect your rights:

1. Act Quickly: If you accept the changes by continuing to work without objection, you may lose your ability to challenge them later.
2. Document Everything: Keep written records of any changes your employer makes and your communications with them.
3. Get Legal Advice: Always consult an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP before resigning or challenging changes to your job. We can determine if you have a case for constructive dismissal.

Why You Should Speak to an Employment Lawyer

Significant changes to your job may entitle you to full severance pay – as much as 24 month’s pay – through a constructive dismissal claim. The Ontario employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP have helped thousands of non-unionized employees in Ontario understand their rights and secure the compensation they deserve when they’re wrongfully dismissed.

If you’re dealing with unwanted changes to your job, contact us for a consultation. Let us provide the advice you need, and compensation you deserve.

Additional Resources

Looking for more information? Explore these related resources:

• What to Do If You’re Fired For Cause in Ontario
• Layoffs in Canada
• Temporary Layoffs in Ontario
• How Ontario Overtime Pay Works