ONxpress Layoffs: Your Rights and Severance Pay Explained

Facing a Layoff at ONxpress? Know Your Options

What is ONxpress?

ONxpress, a key player in Ontario’s transit infrastructure, operates under the umbrella of the Toronto-based Metrolinx initiative. Specializing in improving and maintaining vital rail services, ONxpress employs professionals across diverse roles, including engineering, project management, and operations. With its mission to advance Ontario’s transportation systems, the company relies on its skilled workforce of hundreds to deliver on ambitious projects like the GO Expansion.

Your Rights as a Non-Unionized Employee

But even in this dynamic sector, workforce reductions can occur, leaving non-unionized employees uncertain about their future. Whether you’ve recently been let go from ONxpress or are navigating a layoff, it’s crucial to understand your rights and entitlements, including severance pay.

We’re Here to Support Your Next Steps

Losing a job is more than a financial disruption—it’s a sudden shift in your career and confidence. This blog is designed to empower you during this transition. We’ll walk you through what severance you may be owed, your rights as a non-unionized employee, and actionable steps to take now to protect your future.

WATCH: Key things non-unionized employees should know after a layoff, with employment lawyer Lior Samfiru on the Employment Law Show.

5 Steps to Take If You’ve Been Laid Off by ONxpress

1️⃣Don’t Sign Anything Immediately: Take your time to review all termination documents carefully. Speak with a lawyer before signing anything to ensure you’re fully informed and protected.

2️⃣Document Everything: Save copies of termination letters, severance offers, and correspondence with your employer for future reference.

3️⃣Use the Severance Pay Calculator: Estimate what you’re owed with our Severance Pay Calculator. This quick step helps you understand your entitlements and plan your next move.

4️⃣Get Legal Advice: Contact an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package reflects your full rights.

5️⃣ Start Exploring New Opportunities: Update your resume and begin searching for new roles. Proactively seeking work not only boosts your career but also demonstrates your effort to find a new job, which is important in severance claims.

FAQs About Layoffs

Can an employment contract affect my severance?

Yes, an employment contract can affect your severance if it includes enforceable termination clauses, but many of these clauses may be invalid for several reasons.

Can I be put on a temporary layoff?

Temporary layoffs for non-unionized employees are generally not permitted unless specifically allowed by an employment contract. Otherwise, a layoff may be treated as a termination through a constructive dismissal claim.

Am I entitled to severance as a contractor?

If your work closely resembles that of an employee—such as reporting to a manager, using company equipment, or working regular hours—you may qualify for severance even if classified as a contractor.

Can I negotiate my severance package?

Yes! In Ontario, most severance offers can be negotiated to secure the full compensation you’re legally entitled to. If your termination doesn’t align with your entitlements, it may also qualify as a wrongful dismissal. An employment lawyer can help you navigate the process and maximize your severance package.

What if my employer gives me a deadline to accept severance?

Your employer’s deadline to accept a severance offer is not legally binding. You have up to two years from your termination date to file a claim for severance, so it’s important to review your offer carefully and seek legal advice before signing anything.

Can unionized employees get severance?

Unionized employees are governed by collective agreements, which outline severance and other rights. By law, only your union can represent you in these matters, even if you feel your union isn’t providing adequate assistance. Unfortunately, our firm can’t assist represent employees with severance or wrongful dismissal issues.

Why Choose Samfiru Tumarkin LLP?

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve helped over 50,000 clients secure fair severance packages, recovering millions of dollars for employees across Canada. With extensive experience representing non-unionized employees in roles at small businesses and large organizations across various industries, our team provides the expertise you need to navigate your layoff effectively.

We specialize in assisting employees in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, ensuring their rights are fully protected. Beyond employment law, we also handle disability claims and personal injury cases, offering comprehensive legal support to meet your needs.

Get Help With Your Severance Today

Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to get the compensation you’re entitled to. Call 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Additional Resources for Employees

• Severance for provincially regulated employees
• Severance pay by company
• Severance packages in mass layoffs
• Termination for cause: Why severance may still be owed
• Wrongful Dismissal: What it is and how to respond
• Employment rights when a business closes

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.