Ottawa employment lawyer on 580 CFRA talks employee time theft

Interview Summary

An accountant in B.C. claimed over 50 hours of time she did not work and instead spent doing other non-work related activities. After she was terminated and sued for wrongful dismissal, a tribunal ordered her to pay her employer for time theft. What is “time theft” and should employees working remotely be worried about this decision?

Alex Lucifero, an Ottawa employment lawyer and Managing Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP spoke to Patricia Boal on 580 CFRA to answer these questions and more.

Interview Notes

• Time theft for employees working remotely: As a result of many employees working remotely, employers have begun to monitor employees’ actions while working from home with rising frequency. In Ontario, employers are obligated to disclose tracking software and devices to employees.
• Returning to the office demand: Productivity seems to be the primary concern for employers with employees in a remote work arrangement. Ultimately, some employees are more productive and efficient working from home. Employers should consider what tools an employee requires in order to be effective in their jobs.
• Remote work for government employees: Employers do have the right to dictate where an employee must work and request they return to the office if necessary. It is important for employers to have been clear about the temporary nature of remote work for their staff.