Is Wrongful Dismissal a Employment Law Issue That Affects Non-Unionized Employees?
- markenowens
- Feb 6, 2024
- 2 min read
Wrongful Dismissal is a legal term used to describe an employee’s termination without cause. It is a common employment law issue that affects non-unionized employees in Ontario and across the country. While many employers are able to fire workers for legitimate business reasons, they must provide adequate notice or pay in lieu of notice to avoid being found guilty of wrongful dismissal. It is important that employees understand their rights so they can protect themselves.
If you have been fired from your job, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced employment lawyer will be able to assess your case and determine whether you have been wrongful dismissal. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your termination, you may be entitled to significant compensation. This includes your common law notice period and severance pay, as well as damages for mental distress and loss of income.
The statutory minimums set out in the Employment Standards Act are only a starting point, and many employment contracts also include clauses that offer greater protections for employees. Those with unionized jobs are subject to the terms of their specific collective agreement, which often dictates how employers must handle a worker’s termination and the procedures for providing notice or pay in lieu of notice.
An employer must have a valid reason to terminate an employee, and some businesses try to inflate minor forms of misconduct to justify terminating the worker with cause. However, a termination that is not a wrongful dismissal must be based on a serious reason, such as assault, theft, fraud or a serious neglect of duty. In addition, it is a wrongful dismissal to terminate an employee in retaliation for trying to defend their employment law rights, such as challenging discrimination, harassment or sexual harassment in the workplace.
A successful wrongful dismissal claim will result in reinstatement or compensation for the lost wages, loss of opportunities and emotional distress. However, it is important to remember that a majority of cases never make it to Trial. It is in everyone’s best interests to settle a wrongful dismissal matter as quickly and amicably as possible, and that can usually be accomplished by meeting with an experienced lawyer early on.
In addition to wrongful dismissal toronto, it is also important to be aware of other employment law issues that can arise, such as Constructive Dismissal and termination for convenience. A constructive dismissal occurs when an employer unilaterally makes a fundamental change to the terms and conditions of employment, such as changes in work hours or reductions in compensation.
It is important to seek legal advice on these matters as well, and to understand the different statutory options available. While some employers are willing to negotiate, it is best for you to have legal counsel on your side that is well-versed in these areas of law so that your case will be as strong as possible. A good employment lawyer will also be able to help you get the most out of your settlement.
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