The Court of Appeal for Ontario recently confirmed that a proportionate approach must be taken in determining whether a single incident of misconduct by a long-serving employee with a relatively unblemished work record should result in dismissal for cause. In Plester v. PolyOne Canada, the plaintiff failed to lock out a machine prior to working…
Practice Area: Employment Law
2013 Winter Edition
FOCUS ON BARGAINING Hard bargains LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS The OLRB declines to interfere with legitimate subcontractor relationship Employment contracts: how to get it right and help your chance of success PROFILE Quick study Download PDF
Court of Appeal Upholds Finding that One Health and Safety Violation Did Not Constitute Just Cause for Termination
In its recent decision Plester v. PolyOne Canada Inc., the Court of Appeal for Ontario found that one violation of a health and safety rule did not constitute just cause for the termination of a long term supervisory employee. The plaintiff was employed as a line supervisor and had worked for the employer for 17…
Unjust Dismissal in the Context of an Employment Contract Notice Provision
Does an employee who has left the bargaining unit and entered into a binding contract with an employer have access to the unjust dismissal provisions of the Canada Labour Code when his employment is terminated? In a recent case, an adjudicator answered no: the terms of the contract were clear regarding termination, the employee was…
An Employment Contract, A Without Cause Termination and the Availability of “Unjust Dismissal” Protection
Klein and The Royal Canadian Mint, a recent adjudication award made under the Canada Labour Code, affirms the proposition that the unjust dismissal provisions do not protect all employees from termination without cause, particularly where such terminations are conducted in accordance with a binding employment contract. In this case, the complainant had signed an employment…
Hicks Morley Welcomes New Associate
We are pleased to announce that Jodi Gallagher Healy has joined Hicks Morley as an Associate in our Toronto office. Jodi Gallagher Healy is a frequent speaker and commentator on human resources law developments and advises employers on a broad spectrum of labour, employment and human rights issues. Jodi was called to the Bar in 2004…
AODA Accessible Built Environment: Consultation Paper on Proposed Changes to Building Code Released
The Ontario government has released a consultation paper on proposed changes to the barrier-free design requirements of Ontario’s Building Code. The proposed Building Code changes arise from the development of built environment accessibility standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”). The consultation process focuses on certain key accessibility requirements, including: Renovations…
Hicks Morley Named in 2013 Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide
Hicks Morley is pleased to announce it has been ranked as the leading law firm in the Labour Relations and Pensions category according to the 2013 Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada. Practice groups included in this category are Employment Law, Labour Relations, Occupational Health & Safety, Pensions & Employee Benefits…
Hicks Morley Lawyers Named in 2013 Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide
Hicks Morley is pleased to announce that two of the firm’s lawyers, Christopher Riggs and Stephen Shamie have been recognized as the country’s top practitioners in the 2013 Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada. They are featured in the prestigious guide based on peer recommendations for their distinguished expertise in Labour…
Amendment to EI Act on Employer Repayment Obligations Proclaimed Into Force
Sections 605 and 607 of the Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act, which amend the Employment Insurance Act (“EI Act”) have been proclaimed into force effective January 6, 2013. Section 607 amends section 46 of the EI Act by adding a section which creates a time limit of 36 months on certain EI repayment obligations…