Coronavirus: Forcing parents back to work, Temporary Layoffs

Employment Lawyer Lior Samfiru joined Global News Morning to explain an employer’s right to force parents back to work during the coronavirus pandemic, Trudeau’s plans for 10 days of paid sick leave in Canada, being recalled from a temporary layoff, and whether or not an employee can be forced to work from home.

0:17 – Forcing Parents Back to Work
Can a company force parents to return to work if there are no viable childcare options?

1:29 – 10 Day Paid Sick Leave
Can the federal government enact a 10 day paid sick leave across all provinces and territories? Would 10 days of paid sick leave have a negative impact on businesses during the coronavirus pandemic?

2:41 – Not Recalled from Temporary Layoff
I haven’t been recalled from my temporary layoff, even though my workplace has reopened. Do I still have my job? Lior explains that an employee who isn’t recalled back to work from a layoff is owed as much as 2 years’ severance pay.

3:54 – Questions Employees Should Ask Employers
What questions should an employee ask their employer if they have been called back to work from a temporary layoff?

4:55 – Forced to Work From Home
Can an employer force an employee to work from home? Lior explains that an employer cannot force an employee to work from home, as it would be considered a significant change to the terms of employment. An employee could argue constructive dismissal, and leave their job with full severance pay.