Own Company Layoffs: Severance Pay for Employees
Own Company (Own) is a data management startup headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
Founded in 2015, Own was acquired by Salesforce for approximately $2 billion in September 2024.
Roles at the company include: software engineers, product designers, sales representatives, marketing professionals, administrative staff, human resources employees, and customer service representatives.
According to LinkedIn, Own employs more than 120 people in Canada.
Severance facts for Own Canada employees
In Canada, non-unionized employees at Own—working full-time, part-time, or hourly—are entitled to full severance pay when laid off or terminated without cause.
Independent contractors may also qualify for severance if they’ve been misclassified.
Key severance facts
- Severance pay: Can reach up to 24 months’ pay—depending on age, length of service, position at the company, and other factors. Learn more about severance in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.
- What’s included: In addition to salary, severance may cover bonuses, commissions, and other compensation.
- Deadlines: You have up to two years from the date of your termination to pursue fully severance pay—regardless of any employer-imposed deadlines, which aren’t legally enforceable.
- Restructuring & closures: You’re still owed severance if you’re let go during a corporate restructuring or the business is closing.
- Better severance packages: Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has secured larger packages for a variety of workers (from entry-level jobs to executives).
NOTE: If you’re terminated for cause, you might still qualify for severance pay due to the strict legal standards required for this type of dismissal.
WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains everything you need to know about severance pay on an episode of the Employment Law Show.
Resources for Own Canada staff
Layoffs looming at Own
- November 2024: Salesforce reportedly told Own staffers during a presentation that certain roles won’t be required at the end of January.
Laid off at Own? Steps to take
- Don’t sign a severance offer immediately: Your employer can’t force you to accept it on the spot or a few days after receiving it.
- Research your entitlements: Our firm’s Severance Pay Calculator can help you determine the amount of compensation you’re owed.
- Seek legal counsel: Have an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP conduct a thorough review of your severance offer.
- Document everything: Keep records of termination notices, severance offers, and communication with Human Resources (HR).
NOTE: If you’ve already accepted a severance offer, don’t panic. Connect with a legal professional as soon as possible.
Why Samfiru Tumarkin LLP?
Unlike employment law firms that rely heavily on courtroom victories, our proven strategy focuses on maximizing severance packages early in the claim process— helping clients avoid the time, cost, and stress of litigation.
With extensive courtroom experience to fall back when necessary, we excel at securing generous outcomes quickly and efficiently for our clients.
In addition to severance package negotiations, our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. can help with a variety of employment matters, including:
If you’re a non-unionized employee who needs help with a workplace issue, contact us or call 1-855-821-5900.
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.
About the Author
Lior Samfiru
Lior Samfiru is a Founding Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and the Practice Leader of the firm’s Labour & Employment Law Group. Known for his advocacy and success representing both employees and employers, Lior exclusively serves clients in Ontario, where his extensive experience has made him one of Canada’s most sought-after employment lawyers.
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