By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • While unlimited paid time off (PTO) policies may potentially benefit both employers and employees, it is a concept that needs to be carefully evaluated before being implemented or accepted, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. Low, principal of Ellen Low & Co., says many organizations have been moving to […]
Consider all the pros and cons of unlimited paid time off policies Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • A simple bureaucratic change could help avoid ongoing Hunger Games scenarios for those attempting to satisfy Employment Insurance (EI) repayment obligations after a workplace settlement, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. Low, principal of Ellen Low & Co., says it is not unusual for people to receive EI benefits
Time to change Employment Insurance repayment system Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Potential whistleblowers and those considering making derogatory public statements at the end of an employment relationship should choose their words carefully or risk a defamation lawsuit, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. Low, principal of Ellen Low & Co., says there are cases where people feel the need to
Be careful about what you say or post – it could land you in court Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Fixed-term contracts may seem a logical choice when hiring workers for a specified period but employers need to consider all the legal ramifications to avoid running afoul of the law, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. Low, principal of Ellen Low & Co., says a fixed-term contract is an
Carefully consider all the pros and cons of fixed-term contracts Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • A recent Ontario Superior Court decision may have some employers wondering once again if they should redraft the termination provisions in their employment contracts, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. In Dufault v. The Corporation of the Township of Ignace, Justice H. M. Pierce held that the termination provisions
Another court ruling raises questions about termination clauses Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Background checks are sometimes part of the hiring process, which is why it is incumbent on employers and employees to make the effort to understand exactly what they entail and how they should be used, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. “What should be noted is that some people
Important to know how background checks work, when they can be used Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Suddenly quitting that job you loathe in a pique of anger may feel satisfying at the time but it could come with unexpected consequences, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. “If you are suddenly going to tell your boss to take your job and shove it, you should be
Think twice before taking a marching band to work to quit a job you hate Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Recent amendments to the Canada Labour Code (CLC) offer guidance to employers and needed benefits and protections for workers, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. Low, principal of Ellen Low & Co., says the federal government announced several changes to the CLC in the past year, many to take effect throughout 2024. Under the new
Canada Labour Code changes provide ‘much-needed updates’ Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • A man who gave a moose a ride in the cab of his company pickup truck in contravention of corporate policy should probably have expected to get fired, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. However, there are legal nuances every employer should consider before deciding to terminate any employment relationship,
Giving a moose a ride in company vehicle costs a worker his job Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • A ban on the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of workplace sexual harassment, misconduct or violence may be well-intentioned but requires careful and deliberate consideration, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. “It really is a nuanced issue. As someone who does a fair amount of work for victims
Weighing the pros and cons of banning non-disclosure agreements Read More »
