Can Employers in Ontario Change a Worker’s Job Description or Duties?

This includes:

• Adding extra duties without extra pay
• Changing your job role without notice
• Forcing you into a different position

If they do, you may be able to treat it as a constructive dismissal and claim full Ontario severance pay — up to 24 months’ pay.

Can My Employer Change My Job Role Without My Consent in Ontario?

No. If you’re a non-unionized employee in Ontario, your employer can’t unilaterally change your job role or responsibilities without your agreement.

Examples of major, unlawful changes:

• Being moved to a completely different role
• Losing core responsibilities that define your position
• Being reassigned to taskes outside your original scope

Can an Employer Change Your Job Description Without Notice?

No. Employers generally can’t give you a sudden new job description without your agreement. Even if notice is provided, the change must not be fundamental (e.g., a demotion, loss of authority, or major workload increase).

Can Employers Add Duties Without Compensation?

Not usually. Adding new responsibilities without extra pay, a title change, or benefits is often a breach of contract.

Examples include:

• Managing new staff or departments
• Handling clients well outside your original role
• Taking on extra workloads without a raise

Can My Employer Force Me to Change Roles in Ontario?

No. An employer can’t force you into a new position if it changes your responsibilities, reputation, or compensation.

Can an Employer Change Your Job Title Without Notice?

There’s no law about job titles alone, but what matters is the impact. Ontario law looks at whether the change:

• Reduces your responsibilities
• Damages your professional reputation
• Suggests a demotion
• Doesn’t align with your current duties

If so, you may have the right to treat it as a constructive dismissal.

What Counts as Consent?

Consent must be clear and voluntary.

• Silence or “going along” may be seen as acceptance
• Always object in writing if you don’t agree to new duties

What if I’m Pressured to Accept a New Contract?

Be cautious — new employment contracts often limit your future rights to challenge changes. Don’t sign until you’ve spoken with an employment lawyer in Ontario at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Can I Be Punished or Fired for Refusing Job Changes?

In Ontario, your employer can’t punish you for asserting your rights. If they cut your hours, demote you, or harass you after your refuse changes, that may be considered a repirsal — which is illegal under employment law.

When it comes to termination:

• Termination Without Cause
  Your employer is allowed to fire you without cause in Ontario, even if you refuse changes to your job description or duties. However, they must provide you with full Ontario severance pay — as much as 24 months’ pay, depending on your age, position, and years of service.
• Terminations For Cause
  Some employers may claim that refusing a job change is just cause for termination (which would result in no severance). In reality, this is extremely rare. Refusing fundamental change to your job does not amount to job abandonment or cause.

Speak to an Employment Lawyer in Ontario

If your employer has:

• Changed your duties without consent
• Added responsibilities without pay
• Forced you into a new role or title change
• Punished or fired you after refusing changes

You are entitled to full severance pay.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped 50,000+ Ontarians secure millions in compensation after illegal job changes.

At our firm, we have:

• ⚖️ Settled over 99% of cases quickly through negotiation or mediation
• 📱 Free Termination Consultations — in many, but not all, cases
• ⭐ Earned 2,283 5-star Google reviews (4.8 average)
• 🏆 Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms (Globe and Mail)

Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.