There has been a lot of debate and also uncertainty for employees regarding how far vaccination policies can go. Some early cases have been decided in the unionized context providing useful insights and analysis. In the past month, three Ontario arbitration decisions have evaluated the reasonableness and enforceability of employers’ vaccination policies with varying results: […]
News & Blog
Ontario Proposes Changes to Employment Legislation with Introduction of Bill 27
On October 25, 2021, the Ontario Government introduced Bill 27, the Working for Workers Act, 2021. If passed, the Bill would implement changes to the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”)and other legislation impacting employers and employees in Ontario. The most notable changes proposed under the Bill are the following: Disconnecting from work policy: […]
Supreme Court finds Employee Entitled to Incentive Compensation During Notice Period
A recent Supreme Court of Canada decision offers helpful guidance on incentive compensation during a reasonable notice period. In Matthews v Ocean Nutrition Canada, the employee alleged constructive dismissal based on years of mistreatment. Included in the employee’s claim was recovery under the employer’s incentive plan for a payout that he otherwise would have received […]
COVID-19 mask protocols at my work are not being followed by managers. What can I do?
Mika Imai answered this question for the Globe and Mail for its Nine to Five column on October 5th. — In Ontario, an employer must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker. Based on current public health advice, this will typically mean mandatory mask use. Employees also have the […]
Kumail Karimjee is Honoured to be Recognized in Best Lawyers for Labour and Employment Law
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Best Lawyers’ methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area. To view Kumail’s recognition, or to learn more about Best Lawyers, please […]
Can my social media activism put my job in jeopardy?
In an ongoing series by the Toronto Star, Associate Mika Imai offers her opinion on the potential employment-related ramifications of activism on social media. Read the full Toronto Star article here.
A Black AGO worker was told her hair could ‘scare’ customers. The gallery agreed that was discrimination and promised to do better. A year later, she’s still fighting for justice
Associate Mika Imai was recently quoted in a Toronto Star article highlighting anti-Black racism in the workplace. Mika notes that employees facing discrimination frequently resign, even when it is the employer who is offside. Read the full Toronto Star article here.
If I’m arrested at a protest what does that mean for my job?
Associate Mika Imai was recently quoted in the Toronto Star. Mika offers her opinion on the potential employment-related consequences of getting arrested during a protest. Read the full Toronto Star article here.