Layoffs before the holidays and severance entitlements: Employment Lawyer on CTV News

Interview Summary

As more companies like Hasbro announce mass layoffs right before the holidays, many concerned former employees are asking about their entitlements. Is severance still owed to employees if part of a mass layoff? Does the time of year and the economy influence severance calculations for unemployed individuals?

Alex Lucifero, an Ottawa employment lawyer and Managing Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joined CTV News Ottawa to answer these questions and more on employee rights.

Interview Notes

• Restrictions for terminations before the holidays: There are no particular employment laws that prevent employers from terminating employees during a certain period, like before the holiday season. Employers can potentially owe more severance, however, depending on the time of termination.
• Severance calculations influenced by time of year: Severance is typically based on an employee’s age, position and years of service. Other factors can influence severance pay and potentially increase amounts owed to employees, such as the time of year termination occurred. The purpose of severance is to aid employees as they try and find future employment. During certain times of the year, this could be very difficult.