University of Windsor Layoffs: Your Rights and Severance Pay Explained

Navigating a Layoff at University of Windsor

The University of Windsor (UWindsor), a major academic institution in Ontario with over 1,500 employees across diverse departments, is experiencing workforce reductions due to a variety of challenges, including budget constraints and shifts in educational priorities. These layoffs have affected areas such as administration, student services, and faculty support. If you’re a current or former University of Windsor employee impacted by a layoff, it’s essential to understand your rights and entitlements, including severance pay. For information on the latest layoff updates, read more here.

Being laid off can bring a wave of emotions—stress, uncertainty, and frustration about how the situation was managed. Layoffs don’t just affect your financial security; they also disrupt your career plans and personal confidence. This blog is here to provide guidance. From understanding your severance pay entitlements to learning your legal rights as a non-unionized employee, we’ll help you navigate the next steps with confidence.

What Every UWindsor Employee Should Know After a Layoff

1. You don’t have to rush into a decision. There’s no enforceable deadline to accept a severance offer, even if your employer gives you one. Take the time you need to review the offer, understand your rights, and assess the impact of the layoff.
2. Severance is based on more than just years of service. Factors like your age, job title, and the availability of similar work all play a role in determining the full amount you’re owed, which can be up to 24 months’ pay.
3. Your severance offer isn’t always final. A second opinion can uncover gaps in your severance package, such as unpaid bonuses, benefits, or other entitlements. Many employees are owed more than they initially realize.
4. You have legal protections. Canadian employment law is designed to ensure employees are treated fairly during layoffs. Employers must provide proper notice of termination or severance, and termination packages must meet legal standards.
5. You’re not alone in this process. Layoffs can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can navigate this situation confidently and secure the compensation you’re owed.

Watch: Key Things to Know After a Layoff, with employment lawyer Lior Samfiru on the Employment Law Show.

Recent Developments at UWindsor

UWindsor has conducted layoffs in recent years as part of cost-cutting and restructuring efforts. Here’s a timeline of significant events:

• December 2024: UWindsor tackles a $30M deficit with layoffs, hiring freezes, and job cuts.
• June 2024: 10 staff members were fired and the University Players production arm has been closed.

Steps to Take If You’ve Been Laid Off by UWindsor

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 not rushed into a decision.

2️⃣Calculate Your Severance: Use our Severance Pay Calculator to estimate what you may be owed. Knowing the value of your entitlements can help guide your next steps.

3️⃣Document Everything: Keep copies of termination letters, severance offers, and any correspondence with your employer.

4️⃣Get Legal Advice: Contact an employment lawyer to ensure your severance reflects all of your rights and entitlements.

5️⃣ Start Exploring New Opportunities: Begin updating your resume and looking for new roles. Proactively seeking work not only helps your career but also shows that you’re making an effort to mitigate your losses, which is important in severance cases.

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 by law unless specifically allowed by an employment contract or. Like any change to your job, they can be treated as a termination through a constructive dismissal claim.

Am I entitled to severance as a contractor?

You may qualify if your work relationship is closer to that of an employee, which is quite common in Canada.

Can I negotiate my severance package?

Yes! Most severance offers can be negotiated to reflect full compensation.

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. Our firm includes lawyers with experience representing clients in the university and college sector, ensuring you receive expert guidance.

Our team specializes in representing non-unionized 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, providing comprehensive legal support.

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.