Employment laws regarding tips and wage deductions

Some businesses do not always tip their employees and ensure the extra income earned from clientele remains with employers. While tipping is not an obligation for customers, some servers seem to be obligated to "tip" the kitchen despite not earning tips from paying clients. Is this practice legal? …

Numerous layoffs in Canada

Over the past year, many Canadians have noticed an increased rise in layoffs. Across various sectors, but especially for technology companies, financial difficulties have led to cuts. What can employees uncertain of their job security expect in the coming months? Are there legal responsibilities em…

Canadians no longer working remotely

Before the pandemic, most Canadians worked in the physical workplace. Despite many businesses shifting to remote work due to health restrictions, most have removed remote work arrangements. Can employees ask that their employers continue with these models? Lluc Cerda, an Alberta employment lawyer …

Online posts can affect your insurance claims

While many employees know the consequences of their online conduct on their jobs and positions, not as many individuals know how it can affect insurance claims. Can social media posts influence disability insurance claims? What should claimants be aware of while seeking treatment? Sivan Tumarkin, …

Employer confiscating an employee's phone

A story regarding an employee in the U.S working at a fast-food restaurant recently led to questions regarding whether or not an employer can confiscate their staff's personal devices. Can an employer face legal consuences for this? Aaron Levitin, an employment lawyer and Associate at Samfiru Tuma…

What Exactly Is "Quiet Vacationing"?

Many employees have voiced that they use less than their offered vacation time in a given year. Speculation as to why this is has led many to believe employees take their vacation while still at work, in a phenomenon called "quiet vacationing". Is this considered time theft? Jon Pinkus, an Ontari…

Pay transparency in British Columbia

The Pay Transparency Act in British Columbia has gone into effect. This legislation ensures all employers in the province must post the salary range in job postings for provincially regulated employees. How are employers enforcing this legislation? Has this had a significant impact on those enterin…

Volunteer job posting at Shoppers Drug Mart

A Shoppers Drug Mart ad for unpaid volunteer workers has caught the attention of many and led to questions on the legality of such a posting. After significant backlash to the posting, a pharmacist clarified that the posting was a mistake. What are the legalities surrounding volunteer positions? Ca…

Mandating physical fitness for employees

A study encompassing many European countries appears to show that individuals considered to be overweight are more likely to take sick leave. The findings of this report have led to questions regarding employer expectations and employee rights. Can an employer mandate a certain level of fitness fro…

Union plans to fight return to office mandate

The federal government has announced that come September, employees are expected to work in the office 3 days a week. The union representing federal employees has announced plans to fight this mandate, citing various problems with the announcement including the lack of warning given to employees. D…