When you’re facing a workplace problem in British Columbia, you deserve straightforward legal advice — not confusion, stress, or guesswork. At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our employment lawyers help non-unionized employees across the province resolve issues involving termination, severance pay, workplace changes, harassment, wrongful dismissal, and more.
Since 2007, we’ve helped thousands of BC residents enforce their rights and recover millions in compensation — often without going to court.
If you’re dealing with a difficult employer, or you’ve been fired or pressured to quit, we can explain exactly what the law says and what steps will protect you.
Know Your Workplace Rights in British Columbia
BC’s Employment Standards Act (ESA) and the common law both protect employees — but the ESA is only the bare minimum. Many British Columbians are owed several times more than they realize.
Below is a clear overview of the key workplace rights we help employees understand and enforce.
Termination Without Cause in BC
In British Columbia, most employees can be let go without cause — but they must receive proper severance pay. If an employer fires you without a valid reason, that is not misconduct. What matters is whether you received the full amount you’re owed.
You may be owed significantly more than the ESA minimums.
👉 Read more: Termination Without Cause in BC
Wrongful Dismissal in BC
A wrongful dismissal happens when you are:
- fired without proper severance, or
- pressured or forced to quit
Most wrongful dismissals involve insufficient severance, not misconduct allegations. Even long-serving employees are often told they only receive “two weeks” — which is almost always incorrect.
👉 Learn more: Wrongful Dismissal BC
Severance Pay in British Columbia
Severance pay in BC depends on your:
- Age
- Position
- Length of service
- Ability to find new work
Most British Columbians are owed much more than the ESA minimums. Many receive up to 24 months’ pay.
📲 Use our tool: Severance Pay Calculator
Constructive Dismissal in BC
Your employer can’t make major changes to your job without your consent. These changes can be treated as a termination, and you may be owed severance.
Examples include:
- Cutting your pay
- Reducing your hours
- Changing your duties
- Laying you off
- Relocating you
- Creating a toxic environment
👉 Learn more: Constructive Dismissal BC
Harassment and Toxic Work Environments
BC employees have the right to a workplace free from harassment, discrimination, and bullying. Employers must:
- Investigate complaints properly
- Protect your safety
- Prevent retaliation
If they don’t, we can explain your options and next steps.
Discrimination and Human Rights Violations
The BC Human Rights Code protects workers from discrimination based on:
- Disability (physical or mental)
- Age
- Sex
- Pregnancy
- Gender identity
- Gender expression
- Sexual orientation
- Race, colour, ancestry, and place of origin
- Religion
- Marital status
- Family status
- Political belief
If your rights have been violated, we can help you navigate a human rights complaint, a workplace accommodation issue, or a severance negotiation.
Medical Leave, Sick Leave & Disability-Related Rights
You can’t be fired for taking a legitimate medical leave. Employers must:
- Accommodate medical restrictions
- Respect approved leave
- Avoid penalizing you for illness
If your employer is pressuring you to return early, or changing your job while you’re off, we can help you understand your rights.
Employment Contracts in BC
Before signing a new job offer, it’s important to understand your contract. Many BC employees unknowingly sign agreements that limit their severance or reduce legal rights.
We review contracts involving:
- Termination clauses
- Non-compete agreements
- Non-solicitation clauses
- Bonus plans
- Variable compensation
- Probation
👉 Learn more: Employment Contracts BC
Why Employees Across BC Choose Us
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We’ve helped over 50,000 people
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Our firm is recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms
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We’re the most-reviewed employment law firm in Canada
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No upfront fees for many wrongful dismissal cases
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Clear, practical advice — no legal jargon
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Represent clients from large urban centres to small communities
BC Employment Law: Success Stories
Landmark 6-Month Severance for 6-Month Salesperson
We proved inducement and misleading promises, winning substantial severance plus legal fees for a short-service salesperson.
1-Year Severance for Bakery Worker Accused of Misconduct
We showed the employer had no case after the termination without pay, and also secured overtime and vacation.
800%+ Severance Increase for BC Construction Worker
We drastically improved our client's two-week severance package following their pandemic layoff.
What To Do If You’re Fired or Facing Workplace Issues in BC
Here’s a simple plan to protect your rights:
- Don’t sign anything
Don’t accept a severance offer or resignation agreement until you know your entitlements. - Document what happened
Keep emails, messages, and notes. These details matter. - Contact us for advice
We’ll explain whether the offer is fair and what you’re legally owed.
How We Help You
We make the process simple:
Step 1 — Full Consultation
Tell us what happened. We’ll explain your rights and options.
Step 2 — We Assess Your Case
We determine the full amount you’re owed under British Columbia law.
Step 3 — We Negotiate for Maximum Compensation
We deal directly with the employer on your behalf.
Step 4 — No Court Required in Most Cases
Most claims resolve quickly through negotiation.
Employment Law Resources for BC Employees
Termination & Severance
Workplace Rights & Protections
- Workplace Harassment BC
- Medical Leave & Sick Leave BC
- Employment Standards Act Guide
- Modified Duties BC
Contracts & Workplace Changes
FAQ: BC Employment Law
➡️ Can my employer fire me without cause in British Columbia?
Yes — but they must pay full severance.
➡️ How much severance am I owed?
It depends on age, position, and length of service. Many employees are owed up to 24 months.
➡️ What is wrongful dismissal in BC?
Being fired without proper severance, or being forced to quit due to workplace changes.
➡️ Is a layoff legal in British Columbia?
Not for most non-unionized employees. A layoff can be a constructive dismissal.
➡️ Can my employer reduce my pay or change my job?
Not without your consent. This may be a constructive dismissal.
➡️ Can I be fired while on medical leave?
Not for taking the leave. But you can be terminated for unrelated reasons as long as proper severance is paid.
Speak to an Employment Lawyer in BC
If you’ve been fired, pressured to resign, denied fair severance, or are facing workplace issues, we can help.
Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is Canada’s leading employment law firm for non-unionized workers. We’ve helped tens of thousands of people understand their rights and get the full severance they’re legally entitled to.