Remote work or hybrid work arrangements have become the norm for many office workers due to COVID-19, but what are the legal considerations? I started this article perched on a kitchen chair watching snow fall outside of my in-laws’ house in Calgary. And I am finishing it relaxing on a couch in … [Read more...]
2021 Employment Law Alberta Year in Review
The courts released several important employment law decisions in Alberta in 2021, including about bonuses, just cause, defamation and constructive dismissal. This article summarizes several important employment law decisions in Alberta in 2021. This article does not focus on cases from other … [Read more...]
Bad Behaviour 7.0: Sexual Harassment & Wrongful Dismissal
Usually, the person claiming to have been harassed sues the employer. In a 2004 B.C. case, the harasser sued the employer for wrongful dismissal. This is the bad behaviour story of a spurned co-worker in a union office. His romantic desires were unreciprocated. He was then accused of revenge. … [Read more...]
I’m Turning 18, Now What: Being an employee
Whether you already have a job or are looking for your first, you should know your rights as an employee. Employment is a contract between the employer and the employee. Each party agrees to do certain things. At its most basic, your employer agrees to pay you for the work you do. The employment … [Read more...]
COVID-19 Vaccines in the Workplace: Employers
As the COVID-19 vaccine begins to roll out across Alberta, employers may be wondering how vaccinations will be managed in the workplace. While this is a new issue that has yet to be tested in the courts or tribunals, there are guiding principles that employers should keep in mind when considering … [Read more...]
COVID-19 Vaccines in the Workplace: Employees
With COVID-19 vaccine roll-outs ramping up, employees may be wondering how to deal with vaccines in the workplace. In a companion article, our firm provides information for employers about COVID-19 vaccines in the workplace. In this article, we address questions employees may have. Can my … [Read more...]
Bad Behaviour 6.0: Employees getting away with …
An exhibitionist teacher, a foul-languaged childcare worker and a lustful caretaker are three more cases of employees getting away with bad behaviour. In my opinion, the phrase "fuck off" is just a forceful and intense way to say "leave me alone" or "go away". On September 12, 1996, I find that … [Read more...]
Social Media Posts and Employment: A perilous playground
An employee's social media or Internet activity can have unexpected impacts on their employer. And their job. Social media, and the Internet generally, has become the preferred pastime of our age. Social media may have begun its life as a glorified digital bulletin board. But it has blossomed into … [Read more...]
Worker Status Pending Arbitration
Unionized employees terminated for cause from their jobs can – and often do – ask their unions to grieve the termination. A termination for cause means the employer has grounds (cause) to terminate the employee. This is different from a termination without cause. After filing the grievance, an … [Read more...]
Changes to Alberta Employment Law. Again.
On November 1, 2020, several changes to Alberta’s Employment Standards Code came into effect. Changes include payment of earnings after termination, deductions, averaging arrangements for calculating overtime, rest periods and calculating general holiday pay. These changes are detailed in Bill 32: … [Read more...]
