Employment Lawyer takes calls about COVID-19 – 980 CKNW

Employment Lawyer Jon Pinkus takes calls and answers questions about employment rights during COVID-19 on the Lynda Steele Show on Global News Radio 980 CKNW, following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of an $82 billion aid package for Canadian workers.

Part One on CKNW

• How will the federal aid package for COVID-19 help impact employees in British Columbia?
• When does the government aid package start?
• I have to lay off staff due to COVID-19, but I can’t process the paperwork to help my employees due to government website crashes. What should I do?
• I’m on disability. How does this new federal aid package for COVID-19 affect me?
• Does a company have to continue to pay employees if they need to temporarily reduce operations due to COVID-19?
• Why doesn’t the government allow employees to remain at work while subsidizing employer payroll?

Part Two on CKNW

• Can an employer fire an employee if they don’t want to go to work due to concerns about COVID-19 contamination?
• I was let go because I refuse to work due to concerns over COVID-19 and workplace safety. Have I been wrongfully dismissed?
• I work in the healthcare profession. What are my legal rights regarding safety during COVID-19?
• I’m a construction worker. What can I do if my job site is shut down due to COVID-19? Severance pay for construction workers
• My daughter works at a grocery store. Her manager told her that she can’t wear gloves on the job. What are her rights?
• I work in the high-rise construction industry. What are an employer’s rights if they can’t impose safety measures in the workplace during COVID-19?