Steve Nash Fitness World lays off all employees – Global BC

Global BC is reporting that Steve Nash Fitness World has let go of all of its staff at its 24 location as of Tuesday. In an email to its employees, the gym pointed to difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

While the fitness chain had closed its locations in early March, many employees expected to return to work at some point.

“While the company has explored all options to continue operations and protect our team members continued employment, we do not see a way forward at this time,” reads the email obtained by Global News.

Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru, partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, told Global BC’s Neetu Garcha that these types of terminations are becoming more commonplace during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“What both employers and employees don’t appreciate is that your employment cannot be terminated without consequence,” Samfiru told Global News. “Employment laws are not ‘suspended’ because of COVID-19.”

Samfiru explained that employees who are let go from their job without cause are owed severance pay, which could amount to as much as 24 months’ pay.

A B.C. employment lawyer will review an employee’s age, length of service, position and ability to find new employment in order to calculate severance pay in British Columbia.

“For these employees, getting this severance is extremely important as they will need money now, more than ever,” said Samfiru.

Learn more about your rights during the coronavirus pandemic through our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Knowledge Centre, where you can find resources about your employment rights during COVID-19.