Employee rights as WestJet announces more layoffs

The federal government’s announcement of requiring a negative COVID-19 test from travelers returning to Canada has seemingly led to WestJet once more laying off employees. Westjet previously laid off thousands of employees in June of 2020 as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

Lior Samfiru is an employment lawyer and Co-founding Partner with Samfiru Tumarkin LLP in Calgary. He spoke with the Calgary Herald about WestJet employee rights, stating it’s important for employees of any company to understand that they don’t have to accept a furlough, a reduction in hours, or changes in compensation. Employees can choose to accept a termination instead and be eligible for severance.

“I’m not advocating anyone do it or not do it, but employees should be aware of their options and rights,” Samfiru said. “Depending on how long you’ve worked for your employer, you could be owed as much as two years’ pay in terms of a severance package if you choose to treat that temporary layoff as a termination of employment. For some employees, that may be a better option.”