Employment lawyer on returning to the office as health restrictions lift

Interview Summary

As restrictions regarding COVID-19 continue to lift across the province of Ontario, many employees are wondering whether or not they will be forced to return to the office and what their employers can expect from them. Can employers force employees to return to the office if they have been working remotely during the pandemic?

Stan Fainzilberg, a Toronto employment lawyer and Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joins Jeff McArthur on Global News Radio 640 Toronto to answer this question and more.

Interview Notes

• Will your employer be able to request a return to the office if you have been working remotely?
• Are there any mitigating factors when discussing a return to the office for employees and possible safety concerns?
• What can employees do if they feel unsafe returning to the office with restrictions lifted?
• Can employees negotiate a hybrid work arrangement with their employers? How can employees go about this?
• GoodLife Fitness recently fired employees through email. Is this considered legal?