Ontario Science Centre Layoffs: More than 50 food service workers lose jobs

What’s happening at the Ontario Science Centre?

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has announced that more than 50 food service workers employed by Levy Canada will be laid off in the coming days.

These layoffs are a direct result of the abrupt closure of the Ontario Science Centre.

Official statements and context

• The province closed the Science Centre last Friday, citing structural issues with parts of the roof as the reason for the sudden shutdown.
• Infrastructure Ontario confirmed the closure was necessary due to the safety concerns posed by the roof’s condition.

Industry and public reaction

The closure has sparked significant backlash from local residents, science enthusiasts, and the architectural firm responsible for the building’s design.

J.P. Hornick, president of OPSEU, criticized the government’s decision: “This government is clearly trying to find excuses for closing down this beautiful, historic building. But they didn’t count on how many people across Ontario love the Science Centre and want it to stay open, right where it is.”

Next step for non-unionized workers

If you are a non-unionized Ontario Science Centre employee that has been affected by the layoffs, continue reading to find out what your rights are, and why you need to contact the employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

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Termination agreements for Ontario Science Centre employees

In Canada, non-unionized employees at the Ontario Science Centre are owed full severance pay when they lose their jobs due to downsizing, corporate restructuring, or the closure of the business.

This applies to individuals working in any capacity — full-time, part-time, hourly, or potentially even independent contractors — in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Severance is the compensation provided to non-unionized workers in Canada by their employer when they are terminated without cause, and can be as much as 24 months’ pay, depending on a number of factors.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains why you are still owed severance if you have been downsized on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Severance offers and deadlines

Before accepting a severance offer, double-check the amount using our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator. It has helped millions of Canadians determine their entitlements.

In addition to your salary, make sure to factor in any other elements of your compensation (i.e. bonuses, commission, etc.).

If your employer’s offer falls short of what our Severance Pay Calculator says you are owed, it’s very likely that you have been wrongfully dismissed and should contact an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Non-unionized employees in Canada have up to two years from the date of their dismissal to pursue proper severance pay. An employer’s deadline to sign back a severance offer is not legally enforceable or binding.

LEARN MORE
• Severance pay for provincially regulated employees
• Rights to severance during mass layoffs
• Severance entitlements in a recession

Lost your job? Talk to an employment lawyer

If you have been fired or let go for any reason, contact the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have successfully represented tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals.

In addition to severance package negotiations, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

If you are a non-unionized employee who needs help with a workplace issue, contact us or call 1-855-821-5900 to get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.