Employment issues related to COVID-19

Health and Safety

• Can an employee refuse to come into work over a fear of being exposed to or contracting COVID-19?
• Can employers close their business due to safety concerns related to COVID-19?
• Can I be dismissed for refusing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination?
• Can my employer implement a mandatory vaccination policy in response to COVID-19?
• Can my employer force me to undergo a specific medical procedure or test (i.e. a temperature check upon arrival at work)?
• I contracted the COVID-19 virus at work. Can I sue my employer?
• My employee has tested positive for COVID-19. As an employer, am I required to notify any government authorities?
• What are helpful tips for maintaining a safe workplace during COVID-19?
• What should employers consider before implementing a mandatory vaccine policy?
• What should I do if an employee comes to work when they have been instructed to self-isolate?
• What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

Employment Standards Act

• Can my employer require me to use vacation days to cover any absences from work as a reaction to COVID-19?
• If my employer tells me to stay home, do they have to pay me?

Layoffs and Termination

• Are employees entitled to reasonable notice or severance pay if they are dismissed for not being vaccinated against COVID-19?
• As an employer, is it possible to avoid laying off my employees due to the negative impacts on my business in relation to COVID-19?
• Can an employee request vacation during the temporary layoff period?
• Can an employer use the fact that COVID-19 was unexpected to avoid obligations to employees?
• Can I be dismissed for refusing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination?
• Can my employer lay me off to avoid termination pay?
• Can my employer terminate my employment if the company closes because of Ontario’s order to close all non-essential businesses?
• How long is the COVID-19 period?
• I have been re-called to work. Can I refuse to return?
• I have been temporarily laid off. Am I entitled to receive payment for my accrued but unused vacation?
• I have been temporarily laid off, but I was never told that I could be laid off and my contract makes no mention of layoff. What can I do?
• If I agree to a temporary layoff during the COVID-19 pandemic, does that mean my employer can lay me off in the future?
• If my employer terminated my employment during COVID-19, should I consider taking legal action?
• It has been 13 weeks since my temporary layoff and I have not been recalled. Has my employment been terminated?
• I’ve been laid off. How will this be classified on my Record of Employment to ensure I am entitled to EI?
• My employment has been terminated in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Do I still need to keep looking for work to be entitled to a full termination package?
• Temporary layoff vs. termination: What is the difference?

Ongoing Compensation Matters

• Can my employer provide me with a supplement to my Employment Insurance (“EI”) benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Is there any financial assistance available if I am not eligible for regular employment insurance (“EI”)?
• What are Parental Entitlements Under Employment Insurance?

Workplace Immigration

• Are temporary foreign workers required to self-isolate immediately upon landing in Canada, or are they permitted to travel to their final destination in Canada before self-isolating?
• I am a temporary foreign worker who has been fired amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. I received a new offer of employment from a Canadian employer. How can I change employers and begin working as soon as possible?

COVID-19 Related Posts

See all of our posts and updates regarding the COVID-19 Virus below