Wearing a Poppy at Work: What Employees Need to Know

Are Canadians Allowed to Wear a Poppy at Work?

In certain provinces, including Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, workers have the right to wear a poppy recognized by the Royal Canadian Legion in their workplace from Nov. 1 to Nov. 11 annually.

What About Federally Regulated Staff?

The labour and workplace rights of federally regulated employees in Canada are governed by the Canada Labour Code (CLC).

Currently, the CLC doesn’t explicitly address the wearing of a poppy in the workplace. It establishes basic rights and responsibilities for employees and employers, including wages, health and safety rules, statutory holidays, and severance pay.

SEE ALSO
• List of Federally Regulated Companies in Canada
• Statutory Holidays in Ontario: Employee Guide
• Employment Rights Albertans Have on Statutory Holidays
• Stat Holidays in British Columbia: What Employees Need to Know

Can Employers Ban Staff from Wearing a Poppy at Work?

In provinces that don’t have similar legislation to Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, employers would be able to ban non-unionized workers from wearing a poppy at work.

• LEARN MORE: Employment Lawyer on Businesses Banning Poppies at Work

Outside of perceived political reasons for doing so, some companies believe a “poppy ban” is appropriate because:

• They generally don’t allow modifications to a specific workplace uniform
• They’re concerned that wearing a poppy at work could put staff or customers at risk of injury

Can I be Fired for Violating My Employer’s Poppy Ban?

If you’re a non-unionized employee in a province that doesn’t give you the right to wear a poppy at work, and you violate your employer’s ban on poppies in the workplace, then the company can fire you.

Non-unionized workers in Canada can be let go for any reason, as long as they’re provided full severance pay and the reasons for their dismissal aren’t discriminatory. This is known as a termination without cause.

📺 WATCH: Facts About the Termination Process

Workplace Issue? Get Help Now

📞 Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP: 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Our experienced employment lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC) have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals successfully resolve their workplace issues.

We can review your situation, assess your legal options, and help you secure the compensation you’re legally entitled to.

Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal representative at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.