Employment Law Show: Alberta & B.C. – S7 E10

Episode Summary

What are employees entitled to in the event of a mass layoff? 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

• Severance entitlements in a mass layoff: Many businesses across Canada have experienced mass layoffs as a result of the economic downturn in the past year. Despite the potential financial difficulties of their employers, employees in a mass layoff are owed their full severance entitlements. Severance pay for all employees in a mass layoff would be based on their age, position and years of service.
• Shopify class action lawsuit: Shopify, after implementing mass layoffs, initially seemed to offer adequate severance packages to former employees. After accepting the severance package, Shopify reneged on its offers and reduced packages substantially. A class action lawsuit has since been launched against the e-commerce company on behalf of its former employees.
• Legal action after working for a competitor: Employees should look closely at the terms of their employment contracts before signing. An employment contract can contain clauses that limit an employee’s future rights and opportunities. A non-competition clause protects the interests of the employer and ensures an employee does not share sensitive information. Many non-competition clauses are not enforceable and employees should seek legal advice from an employment lawyer.
• Severance package inclusions: Severance packages must include all elements of an employee’s compensation. Compensation can include a salary, commission, bonuses, stock options, etc. Many employers mistakenly offer employees severance pay based on solely their salary.

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.