COVID-19: Recalled to work and long term disability claims – 580 CFRA

Alex Lucifero is an Ottawa employment lawyer and managing partner of Samfiru Tumarkin LLP’s Ottawa office. He joined host Bill Carroll on Newstalk 580 CFRA’s The Morning Rush to discuss an employee’s rights when being recalled to work during the coronavirus pandemic in Canada.

• Can my employer decide not to call older employees back to work to protect them from COVID-19? Would that be discrimination?
• Can I use the fear of getting sick as an excuse for not working or returning to work?
• How long can an employee stay on long term disability if they have health issues that impact their ability to do their job?
• How will COVID-19 impact long-term disability claims if the virus remains a factor in Canada for an extended period of time?
• I am at high risk for COVID-19. My employer wants me to return to work, but I don’t think the workplace is safe. What should I do?