The legal rights and obligations of employers and employees are governed by a combination of federal and provincial/territorial legislation, as well as common law.
Employers’ rights
Employers have a number of rights, including the right to:
- Hire and fire employees
- Set wages and benefits
- Assign work and tasks
- Establish and enforce workplace rules and policies
- Discipline employees
- Terminate employees for cause
Employers’ obligations
Employers also have a number of obligations, including the obligation to:
- Provide a safe and healthy workplace
- Pay employees their wages and benefits in accordance with their contracts
- Comply with all applicable employment legislation
- Not discriminate against employees on the basis of prohibited grounds
- Provide reasonable notice of termination, unless the employee is terminated for cause
Employees’ rights
Employees have a number of rights, including the right to:
- Be paid a fair wage
- Work in a safe and healthy environment
- Be treated with respect and dignity
- Not be discriminated against on the basis of prohibited grounds
- Take certain leaves of absence, such as parental leave and sick leave
- Join a union
- To receive accommodation for limitations
Employees’ obligations
Employees also have a number of obligations, including the obligation to:
- Perform their job duties to the best of their ability
- Obey reasonable workplace rules and policies
- Be loyal to their employer
- Keep confidential information confidential
How can a Canadian lawyer help you with employment law?
A Canadian lawyer can help you with all aspects of employment law, including:
- Advising you on your legal rights and obligations
- Negotiating employment contracts
- Representing you in employment disputes, such as wrongful dismissal claims and discrimination claims if they are also litigation lawyers
If you have any questions about employment law, it is important to consult with a Canadian lawyer to discuss your specific situation.
Here are some additional tips for employers and employees:
- Employers should have a written employment contract in place with each employee. The contract should clearly set out the employee’s job duties, salary, benefits, and termination terms.
- Employees should review their employment contract carefully before signing it and seek legal advice when appropriate. If they have any questions, they should ask their employer to explain the terms of the contract to them or ask their lawyer to advise them on how the contract could be interpreted.
- Employers should create a workplace culture that is respectful and inclusive. They should also have clear policies in place to prevent discrimination and harassment.
- Employees should follow the workplace rules and policies that are in place. If they have any concerns about the workplace, they should speak to their supervisor or HR representative.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.