Changes to Your Job in Ontario: Explore Your Options

Explore Your Options When Your Job Changes

If your job has recently changed — or your employer has discussed altering your role — it’s important to understand what that could mean for your rights as a non-unionized employee in Ontario.

This page is your guide to the different types of job changes employers may try to make, from adjustments to pay or hours to relocation or revised duties. Use the links below to explore each topic in detail and learn when legal advice may be necessary.

🟢 WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains how job changes can impact your rights under Ontario employment law, What you need to know about job changes in Ontario, on the Employment Law Show.

Topics About Workplace Changes in Ontario

Explore specific guides about common job changes that may affect your position, pay, schedule, or duties in Ontario. These resources explain what each change could mean and when it might trigger a legal concern.

• Pay Changes: Learn more about what happens when an employer reduces your salary, commission, or bonuses: Can My Employer Cut or Reduce My Pay in Ontario?
• Work Schedule Adjustments: Find out how changes to your shifts or hours are treated under the law:
  • Changing Schedules in Ontario
  • Reduced Hours at Work
• Relocation Requests: Discover your options if you’ve been asked to move to a new work location: Can Employers Force Staff to Relocate?
• Changes to Duties or Responsibilities: Learn how changes to your job description or workload could affect your rights:
  • Job Description Changes
  • Increased Workload Without Consent
• Demotions or Loss of Hours: Understand your next steps if you’ve been demoted or had your hours reassigned: Demotions and Shift Reductions
• Part-Time Reassignments: Explore what happens when a full-time role is changed to part-time hours: Can Your Employer Make You Part-Time?
• Contract Updates: Get clarity on what can — and can’t — be changed in your employment contract: Ontario Employment Contracts

If You’re Facing a Workplace Change

If your employer introduces a change that impacts your role, pay, or working conditions, it’s important to take the right steps — especially before reacting or making decisions like quitting.

Here’s how to protect your rights as a non-unionized employee in Ontario:

1. Don’t Delay: If you continue working under new terms without objecting, you may be seen as having accepted the change — even if it harms you financially or professionally.
2. Keep Records: Save all written communication and document how your job has changed. This can be essential if legal advice is needed later.
3. Get Legal Guidance: Before quitting or challenging your employer, speak with an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. In many cases, major changes can result in a constructive dismissal, which may entitle you to full Ontario severance – as much as 24 months’ pay.

When to Get Legal Advice About a Job Change

If you’re a non-unionized employee in Ontario and your employer has:

• Reduced your salary, commission, or hourly pay without your consent
• Pressured you to sign a new contract with lower pay
• Punished you for refusing a pay cut (e.g. changed hours, duties, or title)
• Fired you after you objected to a wage reduction

You may be entitled to full severance pay (up to 24 months’ compensation) through a constructive dismissal or wrongful dismissal claim.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped thousands of employees in Ontario stand up to unfair employers. Our Ontario employment lawyers can explain your legal options — with no cost unless we win.

• 👥 Over 50,000 clients helped across Canada
• 💰 Millions recovered in severance and compensation
• ⚖️ No win, no fee — you don’t pay unless we win*
• ⭐ 2,283 5-star Google reviews across Ontario (4.8 average)
• 🏆 Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by The Globe and Mail

* Conditions apply. Not all cases qualify.

Contact us now to find out what you’re owed. Book your consultation or call 1-855-821-5900.