Hello. I need some help finding some counsel.

Anyone have a recommendation for a good legal advice on labour laws in Ontario. Someone based out of Toronto would be ideal.

Wife got removed from her fairly high management job today. No reason given except "company not doing well".

Severance package offered doesn't look right for her level of performance and accolades as well as time spent with company.

Any advice would help.

Thank you very much.

 

sorry to hear what happened.

i ran a quick search and came up with this website:
http://www.canadaemploymentlaw.com/

i'm sure there are tons of lawyers in the yellowpages.

hope everything works out.

 

I sent you a PM link91.

 

Thanks RBull

I'm sure everything will be alright. I just don't want to stop thinking about cars and toys! hahahaha Although I might have to if things don't improve after a few months. We'll see. She's a smart cookie.

 

^ good stuff. Cheers.

 

Don't really have any connections on labour relations related lawyers..

Just want to say, all the best bro!

 

I could point you to a labour lawyer in Kitchener, but unfortunately, not in the GTA.

On another note, having gone through a severance about 4.5 years ago, I can tell you what the "basic guidelines" were then.

First, the courts will look at your wife's age and measure that against her chances of finding similar work in her field.

Then, they'll look at years of service. Less than 5 years = ughhh, lucky to get 2 weeks per year in total compensation (payout + any salary continuation - weeks notice given) Yes, the company can request that one work the entire notice period - ie, if with company 4 years, company can give 8 weeks notice and request employee to complete the work term.

Next, they'll look at whether the company is offering any sort of assistance in finding work, or re-education to enter another field that would provide a similar opportunity to live at the level one became accustomed to.

I know of *someone* (remember not to name names as "no talk" clauses are usually built into these agreements) that was 35 and with a company for 17 years, in a technical field (ahem, could have been IT...). Total package is *rumoured* to have been 4 weeks for every year of service.

In the end, seeing a lawyer is going to be costly. My *friend* spoke with his lawyer for less than an hour and the bill was in the range of $500. Use the above as a guideline and weigh your wife's particular situation against it. Unless she feels she's being wrongly dismissed (which is tough to prove, without huge amounts of documented evidence), she's better to not go through the ordeal of dealing with a lawyer.

Keep in mind that any fees your wife puts out for legal advice, is completely tax deductible, so that's the upside (at least it was when my *friend* went through it)

One final note, just be there for her and reassure her that she'll get through this - there's plenty of companies out there that are looking for talent - if she's willing to work, she's going to see this as possibly one of the best things to happen to her. Stay positive.

/ Anthony Robbins tape 1...

All the best!

 

Arkus:

Thanks for your advice. We've been going through her options all afternoon. The research and feedback we've got has been similar. We're a very young couple, late 20's/early 30's and the company seems to have done everything at the bare minimum not to get trouble.

I'll keep you guys informed, but thanks for the info and support. Life could be worse!

Alex

 

Thanks!

 

Good summary and advice. I've had some experience in this myself from both sides.

*someone* did well. It can be tough to get 4 weeks per year past 10 years. 5-10 years of service you can usually do that.

 

 

Please give Leslie a call. He is located at Dundas/University. Very nice person to deal with and has experience with large corporations. See his contact info below:

Leslie Dizgun
HIMELFARB PROSZANSKI LLP
Barristers & Solicitors
480 University Avenue, Suite 1401
Toronto Ontario M5G 1V2
T: (416) 599-8080 Ext. 251 F: (416) 599-3131