Employment Law Show: Alberta & B.C. – S7 E08

Episode Summary

What can an employment lawyer do for employees? A Vancouver employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP answers this question 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, as the show takes calls from listeners and provides vital answers to employees and employers.

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Show Notes

• Asked to sign a new employment contract: Employees do not have to sign a new employment contract, particularly after years of employment. Agreements might not be legally binding if there is nothing offered by an employer in return for signing. Employment agreements typically contain clauses that can limit an employee’s rights and entitlements. Before signing an agreement, employees should seek legal advice.
• Legal advice and compensation after termination: An employment lawyer can help to ensure an employee is given what they are owed after termination. Severance packages are often inadequate and must encompass all elements of compensation. Often, employers do not offer employees bonus packages or commissions as part of severance pay.
• Changes made to your job: Employers do not have the ability to impose substantial changes to an employee’s job. As a result of the pandemic, many employers have requested employees return to the office, or reduce pay. Employees have the ability to refuse a major change to their job. The support of an employment lawyer can help to ensure employee rights are protected as a result of constructive dismissal.
• Workplace harassment not resolved: Employees experiencing harassment in the workplace, particularly by a superior, do have recourse. It is important for employees to first report the incidents to the appropriate internal department, such as HR. Employers are required to investigate and take action once a harassment complaint has been made. Employees that feel their concerns have not been addressed adequately, can seek external legal advice from an employment lawyer.

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.