Vancouver Island University Severance Pay: Your Rights Explained

Vancouver Island University is a public university based in Nanaimo, British Columbia, with additional campuses in Duncan, Powell River, and Parksville-Qualicum. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in arts, science, business, education, and trades.

The university serves about 12,000 students and employs more than 2,000 faculty and staff. Its main campus is located on Vancouver Island overlooking the Nanaimo harbour.

Severance Pay For Vancouver Island University Employees

Non-unionized employees at Vancouver Island University are entitled to up to 24 months of severance pay when laid off or terminated without cause in BC — whether full-time, part-time, or hourly.

ℹ️ Want a quick overview on severance pay? Watch the video below or check out the full episode in our TV section.

Key Facts

• Severance pay is calculated using a variety of factors, such as age, position, length of service, and ability to find similar work. Learn more about severance pay in BC.
• Severance packages should include salary, bonuses, commissions, and other compensation earned during employment.
• Employees generally have up to two years from the date of their termination to pursue full severance pay.

Our firm has assisted tens of thousands of individuals from entry-level roles to executive positions in obtaining the compensation that they deserve.

LEARN MORE
• Severance pay for provincially regulated employees
• Mass Layoffs in BC
• Severance entitlements in a recession

5 Steps to Take If You’re Laid Off by Vancouver Island University

• 1️⃣ Don’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.
• 2️⃣ Document everything: Save copies of termination letters, severance offers, and correspondence with your employer for future reference.
• 3️⃣ Use our Severance Pay Calculator: Estimate what you’re owed with our BC Severance Pay Calculator. This quick step helps you understand your entitlements and plan your next move.
• 4️⃣ Get 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 crucial in severance claims.’

Severance Pay FAQs

Do Employment Contracts Affect Severance?

Yes, an employment contract can affect your severanc]e entitlements if it includes enforceable termination clauses. However, many of these clauses may be invalid for several reasons.

Are Temporary Layoffs Legal?

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 in BC.

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 an independent contractor.

Should I Negotiate My Severance Package?

To ensure that you receive the amount of compensation that you’re entitled to, let our employment lawyers negotiate your severance package.

Speak to an Employment Lawyer

Unlike employment law firms that rely heavily on courtroom victories, Samfiru Tumarkin LLP uses proven strategy that 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 Nanaimo employment lawyers and employment lawyers for Victoria help with a variety of employment matters. 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.

Additional Resources

• Do I have to look for a new job after getting fired?
• Can I get my job back if I’m fired?
• Facts about the termination process in Canada
• I already accepted a severance package. What should I do?

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.