COVID-19 Phase 2 Re-Opening in Hamilton: Do I have to go back to work?
As Hamilton gears up for “Phase 2” of the re-opening this Friday (June 19) and COVID-19 pandemic restrictions loosen, a growing number of businesses are calling their employees back to work. Understandably, there’s a lot of confusion about what this means for...
Is your workplace re-opening on May 19th? COVID-19 restrictions remain in place
Many workplaces are preparing to re-open or expand their operations again after 2 months of COVID-19 closures. Others have already re-opened. Workers and employers alike may be wondering: Is this business as usual? Is my workplace essential now? How do we work safely during COVID-19?
CERB Info Sheet
The CERB or Canada Emergency Response Benefit is a special benefit available to workers who have lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even self-employed people or workers who have seen their income drop to $1,000 or less per month may be eligible for the CERB. Unsurprisingly, this new benefit has changed a bit as the government responded to criticism of the program in its first month.
Privacy in the Time of COVID: Employee Privacy Rights when Working from Home
Employee privacy during the COVID crisis is a major concern in workplaces across Canada. For the non-essential business, new rules have required the shut-down of the physical work site. These rules have resulted in temporary shutdowns and layoffs for some...
We’re Hiring a Legal Assistant
Molyneaux Law seeks a legal assistant to support a small law firm with a growing labour, employment and human rights law practice. This is a 1-year contract to cover a parental leave, starting in June 2020. The ideal candidate: Has excellent communication skillsHas...
I’m working from home during COVID-19, what are my rights? Hours of Work
While a lot of lifestyle articles published in the last month argue the merits of maintaining work-life balance while working from home or sticking to a routine during COVID-19, there’s a legal reason to do this, too. Ontario employers have an obligation to record employees’ hours of work and pay them accordingly. Working from home doesn’t change this duty, but it may change how it’s implemented.
Bill 186: New COVID-19 Leaves for Ontario Employees
On 19 March 2020, the Ontario government passed the Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020. This new law provides job protected COVID-19 leaves for Ontario employees directly affected by the coronavirus. It also excuses employees...
FEDERALLY REGULATED EMPLOYEES AND COVID-19: WHAT HAPPENS TO FLIGHT ATTENDANTS, BANKERS OR CROSS-BORDER TRUCKERS IF THEY GET CORONAVIRUS?
Federally regulated employees with COVID-19 may be wondering what their employment law rights are. It’s easy for federally regulated workers to get lost in the mix. The vast majority of employees are provincially regulated – and there’s been a lot of press around...
Can I refuse to work because of COVID19? Coronavirus and work refusals in Ontario
Can you refuse to go to work during the coronavirus pandemic? Many Ontario workers are worried that their work or their workday commutes will expose them to coronavirus. Some of these worries are well-placed, while for others it's (understandable) anxiety more than...
Can I be fired because of coronavirus? Frequently asked COVID-19 employment law questions
Can I be fired because of coronavirus? Parents looking ahead to 3 weeks of public-school or daycare cancellations may be wondering about their options. Employees who test positive for the coronavirus or have been directed to self-isolate because of their symptoms or...
New Sick Day Rules Draw Criticism as Coronavirus Fears Grow
The Ontario Employment Standards Act was changed again in 2019. After just a year, our last post on sick days was rendered out-dated by cuts to sick day entitlements for most Ontario workers. In place of 10 days of personal emergency leave (2 of which were paid),...
Must Love Dogs: What does Ontario Law say about Guide Dogs, Service Animals and Take Your Pets to Work Policies?
Hamilton’s Mayor Fred Eisenberger made news this week when he asserted that he would have his dog (Dash) certified as a service animal in the face of a new no-pets rule at Hamilton City Hall. Though Mayor Eisenberger seems to have walked back this claim a little and...