ACHKAR LAW

Think you know your rights when it comes to termination and severance pay? Think again. Many people rely on myths that could cost them thousands. From ‘one week per year’ severance rules to ‘probation means no pay,’ misinformation is everywhere. Don’t let these myths leave you shortchanged. Swipe through to uncover the truth—and if you’ve been let go, get the right advice before signing anything. Need help? Contact ACHKAR LAW today. Toll-free: 1-800-771-7882. Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gTm-Cg2w

Workplace Accommodations and Medical Information: What Employers Need to Know Employers in Ontario have a legal duty to accommodate employees with disabilities to the point of undue hardship—but how much medical information can you request? ? Employers can ask for medical documentation to understand an employee’s limitations. ? Employers cannot demand a diagnosis or private medical details. ? Accommodation requests should be based on functional limitations, not an employee’s entire medical history. Handling these requests incorrectly can lead to human rights complaints, legal liability, and costly disputes. → Learn the best practices for handling workplace accommodations the right way: https://lnkd.in/gy5bSV4M How does your organization approach accommodation requests?

Unpaid Internships in Ontario: Are They Legal? Many employers offer unpaid internships, thinking they are helping students gain experience—but in Ontario, most unpaid internships are actually illegal unless they meet strict criteria. Before bringing on an unpaid intern, ask: ? Does the internship meet the legal requirements under the Employment Standards Act? ? Is the intern receiving training that primarily benefits them—not the company? ? Would the intern be considered an employee if not for the internship label? Misclassifying an intern as unpaid when they should be a paid employee could lead to claims for back pay, employment standards violations, and legal disputes. → Find out when unpaid internships are legal—and when they’re not: https://lnkd.in/gFJ4DU43 Have you reviewed your internship program to ensure compliance?

How much severance are you actually entitled to? It’s not just a formula. Courts in Ontario use the Bardal Factors to determine severance beyond the minimums under the Employment Standards Act. That’s why two employees with the same tenure can receive very different severance packages. Key factors that impact severance pay: ? Length of service ? Age at termination ? Job position and responsibilities ? Availability of similar employment If an employer underestimates severance, they could face wrongful dismissal claims—and the difference can be significant. → Find out how severance is actually calculated: https://lnkd.in/gYsbwprH Have you seen cases where severance was much higher than expected? Let’s discuss.

Maternity Leave in Ontario Employees taking maternity leave are protected under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, but misunderstandings can lead to legal issues. Employers must uphold job security and benefits, while employees should be aware of their entitlements. Learn more about maternity leave protections and responsibilities: https://lnkd.in/g-QHtyFb

Worried About How Termination Affects Your Employment Record? If you've had to terminate an employee—or if you’ve been terminated yourself—understanding how it’s documented in Ontario is critical. ??Does termination stay on your Record of Employment (ROE)? ??Can it impact future job prospects? ??What can employers legally disclose during reference checks? Most people get this wrong, and it could cost them opportunities or lead to legal risks. In our latest article, we break down exactly how termination is handled in Ontario, what employers can (and can’t) say, and how to manage the situation to protect your organization—or your career.

Harassment in the Workplace: Rights and Responsibilities Workplace harassment can take many forms, from unwanted comments to discriminatory treatment. Employees have the right to a safe work environment, while employers must take complaints seriously and comply with legal obligations. Understand what qualifies as harassment and how to address it:? https://lnkd.in/gPPqFPER

Stress Leave in Ontario: What Employers and Employees Should Know Employees experiencing significant work-related stress may be entitled to time off, but understanding legal protections is key. Employers also have obligations under the Employment Standards Act and Human Rights Code when responding to stress leave requests. Learn about rights, obligations, and best practices: https://lnkd.in/gzVqgTwZ

Record of Employment (ROE): What Employers and Employees Need to Know A Record of Employment (ROE) is essential for Employment Insurance (EI) claims, but errors or delays can create challenges. Employees need to ensure their ROE is accurate, while employers must issue it correctly and on time to meet legal obligations. Learn more about ROE requirements and common issues: https://lnkd.in/gNBizzec

Termination Notice in Ontario: What Employers and Employees Need to Know Many employees assume the minimum notice under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act is all they’re entitled to, while some employers may not realize that common law notice often requires more. Factors like age, position, and length of service can significantly impact notice obligations. Understand the difference between statutory and common law notice: https://lnkd.in/e_6pgRx