Employment Lawyer
Employees seek legal help when things get out of control. But by then, the paperwork or records have vanished, and the employer has already made the last decisions. A wiser choice would be to be aware of these danger signs before you sign anything, say the wrong thing, or limit your options irreversibly.
These are 7 danger signs indicating your need for immediate legal representation.
Sign 1: You Just Received a Termination Letter
The letter from your employer offering you a severance package does not mean that it is a fair offer. Most of the packages offered are based on the minimum requirements of Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, which in most cases is much lower than the minimum offered by common law. An employment lawyer will analyse the situation and let you know what you are owed before accepting anything.
Sign 2: The Employer is Trying to Force You into Signing
An employer usually forces employees to accept the severance quickly so that they avoid paying you more money. They want you to waive your rights after signing the agreement. You should never sign anything without analysing the terms.
Sign 3: There is a Termination Clause in Your Employment Contract
There are many employment contracts in Ontario that have a termination clause that has been found invalid by the court. However, many cases have proved that unenforceable clauses can mean your employer cannot limit your severance at all. An employment lawyer can identify whether there are clauses in your contract.
Sign 4: The Nature of Your Job Has Been Changed Without Your Consent
Your salary is reduced, you’re assigned fewer duties, your working hours are changed, or your workstation is relocated by your employer without consulting you. These may seem like mere nuisances, but significant unilateral alterations to the essential terms of employment can amount to a constructive dismissal and give you the right to resign and claim severance. The employment lawyer can help you determine when that point has been reached.
Sign 5: Workplace Discrimination
If a colleague or employer discriminates based on age, gender, disability, or any other ground, you can take action. The Employment Lawyer Toronto can help you by filing a complaint. They will also make sure your evidence is properly documented from the very beginning.
Sign 6: You’re Called a Contractor but Treated like an Employee
Misclassification happens far more often than most people think. If you work during certain times, use equipment provided by your employer, and are directed by one single employer, you could be deemed an employee despite what your contract states.
Sign 7: You’re Not Getting Paid, Overtime, or Even Promised Bonuses
Withheld bonuses, lack of overtime, or withholding of any commission is more than just annoying. These actions can actually be illegal. The laws in Ontario set out certain standards, which, when ignored by employers, lead to legal liabilities.
Why Monkhouse Law
If any of these seven signs apply to you, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact Monkhouse Law right away. Wrongful dismissal, severance review, constructive dismissal, human rights, disability cases, and much more are among their areas of expertise, which span the whole province of Ontario. They provide a complimentary phone consultation with an Employment Lawyer Toronto.
