Ontario Science Centre Layoffs: 28 Dexterra employees affected after contract cut

What’s Happening?

Dexterra Group, which provided cleaning services for the Ontario Science Centre, has announced layoffs affecting 28 employees. The layoffs will be effective by October 31, following the termination of the company’s cleaning services contract with the science centre.

The contract termination comes after the science centre’s decision to close the facility, which had faced structural issues.

Official Statements and Context

The science centre’s closure has been surrounded by controversy, with critics questioning the decision to shut down the facility rather than repair its structural issues. The centre abruptly closed to the public in June, citing roof panel problems that could pose safety concerns. All staff and exhibits are expected to vacate the facility by the end of October. Dozens of food service workers were terminated shortly after the announcement.

In response to the layoffs, a spokesperson for the science centre, Laura Berkenblit, expressed appreciation for Dexterra’s employees, noting to The Canadian Press that some had been with the centre for many years. She stated, “We sincerely appreciate the hard work and dedication of the Dexterra employees… we hope that any transitions can happen as quickly as possible.”

Dexterra has not commented on the layoffs, but the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which represents some of the affected workers, described the employees as “devastated.” Local 549 President Martin Fischer said, “With the plans for [the] science centre to continue at a new location, they really wanted to be part of that.”

Ontario Government Response

Premier Doug Ford acknowledged the job losses, stating, “We’ll find jobs for those people within the system, so we’ll help them out.” While the province is not directly responsible for these layoffs, Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma’s office expressed hope that alternative opportunities might be found within the organizations affected.

Your Rights

In Canada, non-unionized employees at Dexterra 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

Major layoffs continue

The job cuts come amid a flurry of layoffs in 2024.

Big names, including Wells Fargo, Intuit, Goldman Sachs, UiPath, Dyson, Vancity, Stifel, SAP Canada, Netflix, AmDocs, EXL Service, Best Buy, Relic Entertainment, Ubisoft, Intel, Amazon, and Telus, have pulled out the axe as they continue to navigate challenging economic conditions.

SEE ALSO
• Shell to lay off 20% of deals division, part of restructuring
• Walmart Canada cuts jobs amid restructuring, shift to Spark: Reports
• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?

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.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and should not be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.