Employment Law Show: Alberta & B.C. – S7 E04

Episode Summary

Should you sign a new employment contract? How should harassment complaints be treated at work? Employment Lawyer Lior Samfiru, Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP answers these questions and more on the Employment Law Show. 

LISTEN BELOW to Western Canada’s only radio show about your employment rights in the workplace, every Sunday at 4 p.m. PT on 980 CKNW in Vancouver, and 5 p.m. MT on 770 CHQR in Calgary and 640 CHED in Edmonton, as the show takes calls from listeners and provide vital answers to employees and employers.

Listen to the Episode

Show Notes

• Harassed by a colleague at work: Employees should ensure all incidents of bullying and harassment are documented in writing. Complaints should first be voiced internally at the workplace. Employers have an obligation to investigate all complaints of harassment and resolve the issue. Employees cannot be penalized as a result of bringing forth complaints.
• An employee asked to sign a contract due to promotion: Before signing an employment agreement, employees should first contact an employment lawyer. Employment contracts can restrict the rights of an employee, particularly in regard to future severance entitlements.
• Terminated for cause due to minor incident: In order to terminate an employee for cause, employers have to prove that an employee has exhibited serious misconduct. Employers often incorrectly terminate an employee for cause in order to avoid offering severance pay. Employees that have been terminated for cause should contact an employment lawyer to determine if they have been wrongfully dismissed.
• Employees are taken on by new employer: Employees that are hired by a new owner must have their previous years of service acknowledged. Employees that are let go as a result of the sale of a business are still owed severance pay by their former employer.
• Placed on a temporary layoff: Employers do not have the ability to place employees on a temporary layoff due to business or financial reasons. Employees can treat a temporary layoff as constructive dismissal and pursue their severance.

Need an employment lawyer?

• Pocket Employment Lawyer: Before you call a lawyer, use the Pocket Employment Lawyer to find out if you might have a case. 
• Severance Pay Calculator: Discover how much severance pay you should get when you lose your job, used successfully by nearly 2 million Canadians. 
• Watch our TV Shows: Get further clarity on your rights by watching our popular TV show episodes.