Changing the rules of the workplace post-pandemic: 980 CKNW

Interview Summary

COVID-19 rules and regulations are changing across the country as public health restrictions are lifting. Many employers and employees who previously had to work remotely or follow specific guidelines in the workplace are now in another period of transition. What will this mean for the workplace? What are employers obligated to accommodate?

A Vancouver employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP spoke with Mike Smythe on Radio 980 CKNW to answer these questions and more.

Interview Notes

• Will employers be able to request employees who have been working remotely return to the office?
• Can employers fire employees who refuse to return to the workplace? Or is it considered job abandonment?
• Are employees in a position to compromise with their employers and propose a hybrid work model?
• Can an employee request to remain working at home due to medical reasons and will an employer be obligated to accommodate this request?
• Will employers be able to request employees continue to wear masks at the workplace despite the lifting of restrictions?
• Are vaccine mandates now permissible or legal in the workplace?
• If I have symptoms that could be COVID-19, can my employer force me to remain at home though I have no paid sick days?
• Will unvaccinated healthcare workers who were put on leave or terminated be able to pursue wrongful dismissal?
• Are employers obligated to pay employees severance when fired?