Introduction As with most relationships, employment relationships end. This may be by mutual parting, the employee quitting, or the employee being dismissed. The end of a relationship can mean that a few legal obligations continue. In this article, we briefly discuss the three principal … [Read more...]
Protection and Prosecution: Falling at Work
Introduction Just before Christmas 2009, Mr. Murgappa Naiker died instantly after falling 18.5 feet from an open bucket while de-icing an airplane at the Calgary airport. He was not wearing his safety harness. He had 17 years experience as a de-icing ramp agent and had completed updated safety … [Read more...]
The Confidentiality of Commercially Valuable Information
Introduction: the Cymbal Business In an age when multi-billion dollar companies struggle to survive, a small family-owned company called Zidjian continues to manufacture cymbals as it has for almost four hundred years. It controls almost 65% of the world’s cymbal market, with annual revenues close … [Read more...]
The Law of Embellished Credentials
Introduction Human resources professionals say up to 30% of claims on resumes of job applicants have been exaggerated. Job seekers, inclined to present themselves in the best possible light, are tempted to inflate their credentials, especially during recessionary times when jobs are scarce and … [Read more...]
Occupational Health and Safety
EDITOR'S NOTE | The information in this article may be out-of-date. For current information on occupational health and safety laws in Alberta, see CPLEA's Occupational Health and Safety FAQs. This article is the first in a series of columns on the topic of safety at work. Canadians spend most … [Read more...]
Resolving Conflict: Six Simple Steps to Keeping the Peace
One of the most challenging roles of an effective manager is that of “peacekeeper”. Resolving conflicts in the workplace takes negotiation skills, patience, and a healthy dose of emotional intelligence. Recently, I interviewed Susan Steinbrecher, an author, executive coach and speaker who is CEO … [Read more...]
Employer Access to Your Social Media Life
Introduction Over the last month, the legality of requests by prospective employers to access applicants’ Facebook and other social media accounts has arisen. These accounts may reveal a more complete picture of the employee, especially what the employee really thinks, says and does outside of … [Read more...]
Minimum or Reasonable Notice of Termination?
In 1978 Marek and Gilles started work as salesmen for an Ontario car dealership (HOJ), on an ongoing, indefinite basis. By 1985 they had both been promoted to managerial positions and were earning close to $200,000 (in today’s terms) in total compensation which included commissions, allowances, … [Read more...]
Restrictive Covenants in Employment
“The public have an interest in every person’s carrying on his trade freely: so has the individual. All interference with individual liberty of action in trading, and all restraints of trade of themselves, if there is nothing more, are contrary to public policy, and therefore void. That is the … [Read more...]
What is an Employment Contract?
“Work is one of the most fundamental aspects in a person’s life, providing the individual with a means of financial support and, as importantly, a contributory role in society. A person’s employment is an essential component of his or her sense of identity, self-worth and emotional well-being.” – … [Read more...]