Thursday, May 5, 2011

Wrongful Dismissal Mississauga Legal Counseling

By Shawna Fletcher


If your job has recently been made redundant and you think you need knowledgeable legal advice, wrongful dismissal Mississauga legal advice is on hand. This might be the time to know the rights an employee has in such a situation. Legal guidance may be sought at any time, prior to or following redundancy.

The law has long recognized the importance of protecting employees from arbitrary and unfair action by employers. It has sought to balance the difference in power between the two by ensuring basic rights are observed and appropriate remedies and compensation are available for wrongfully dismissed employees. While this may be the case, in a nonunionized workplace, Ontario employers generally have the right to hire and fire their employees at will. This discretion is subject only to abiding with the Ontario Human Rights Code and certain other statutory restrictions.

The main governing laws are the Employment Standards Act and the Human Rights Code. The rules under the ESA are minimum requirements. Employers subject to federal regulation must also comply with the Canada Labour Code. In most cases, when the worker has been employed continuously for three months, written notice, termination pay or a combination of both must be furnished by the superior.

An employee may choose instead to sue an employer in a court of law for wrongful dismissal. Termination claims are pursued through negotiation and if that fails through the Ontario court system. However, even if legal proceedings are commenced, many cases can be resolved at an early stage, before the matter goes to trial.

They may want to keep in mind that legal action could bring greater compensation than the benefits payable under the Act. Available remedies are generally damages for dismissal or pay in lieu of reasonable notice, if the position is terminated without just cause. An employee cannot seek a legal action, while filing a claim with the ministry for severance of the same employment. This may be a good time to obtain legal advice concerning the relevant merits of the alternative choices available.

The employer must pay at least what is required to meet the terms of ESA. A Record of Employment must also be provided within the week of termination. If the employee is entitled to more, an additional package could be proposed. Reasonable notice and the pay in lieu of notice amount can vary according to individual circumstances that legal counsel can assist in clarifying.

Legal help can also be useful in negotiating terms of notice or compensation. In addition to evaluating the appropriate notice, legal counsel can be helpful in ensuring you receive all the benefits you are entitled to receive. Where neither reasonable notice nor adequate compensation has been given, a claim is in order. Wrongful dismissal Mississauga legal advice is useful whenever your job is at risk or has recently been lost.

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