People don’t usually think about seeing a lawyer unless they are in some kind of bind and need to know their rights or are in desperate need of help. While this may be true for several aspects of life, it shouldn’t be when it comes to meeting with an employment lawyer.
Work takes up the majority of our lives; our jobs and where we work have a major impact on our mental health, families and finances. So it only makes sense that you meet with an experienced employment lawyer in Toronto whenever there is something new happening in your job or career.
If you haven’t met with an employment lawyer before, keep the following situations in mind the next time they come up and book a consultation to ensure your rights are protected.
1. You’re Starting a New Job
Often, when new hires are given a job offer, it comes in the form of an employment contract. So who better to help you decide if it’s right for you than an expert in employment contracts?
Your employment contract shapes your work experience and will cover your rights and obligations. Employers will often use “boiler-plate” contracts, so having an employment lawyer analyze your contract will ensure that it doesn’t violate any new amendments to the Employment Standards Act or the Canada Labour Code (for federally-regulated employees), that your rights are respected and that you fully understand the implications of each clause in it. They can also advise you as to what type of severance package you are allowed when the employment ends and whether you should negotiate for more.
If you didn’t receive and sign an employment contract, it’s even more crucial that you speak to an employment lawyer to know your rights in the workplace.
2. You’re Leaving Your Current Job
Employment lawyers are frequently consulted by an employee who’s being “downsized” or laid off to know what their rights are and how much severance they are entitled to. While this is the right thing to do, if you are dismissed for any reason, you should consult an employment lawyer. Employees are often wrongfully dismissed and not given the proper notice or pay in lieu of notice before termination. Or, they are told that they are being terminated with cause when a “for-cause” termination was not valid in their situation.
Always consult an employment lawyer if you’re dismissed from a job to ensure that your rights and your compensation are protected before you sign off on any paperwork.
3. Your Employer is Changing Your Job
Roles change over time, and employers are allowed to make changes to your job. But major changes that substantially alter the employment terms and are that are done unilaterally can impact your quality of life and may even be a constructive dismissal. If changes are made to your role, duties, compensation or any other significant aspect of your employment, speak to an employment lawyer as how you respond can affect your job moving forward.
