Departure
Paydays, Payroll Records and Deductions
The Employment Standards Act sets out your obligations with respect to paying your employees and maintaining payroll records. One common area of confusion and dispute concerns an employer’s ability to make deductions from wages. To employees, payday is an important event, and it’s something you should get right – every time.
Is Cybersacking the Way of the Future?
Some time has passed since the story of the “Cybersacked” spa employee made the front page of Kelowna’s Okanagan newspaper. The employee featured was offended to have found out she was fired by reading a message sent by her employer to her Facebook inbox.
The Human Rights Code Made Simple
Because the Human Rights Code (HRC) applies to most employers in BC workplaces, you should know your rights and responsibilities — as well as those of your employees.
Drunk Driving: Just Cause for Termination
Workplace intoxication is a serious issue that affects productivity and may threaten the health and safety of the workforce. When employees drive while intoxicated, they put not only their own safety at risk, but also the safety of all those with whom they share the road. Furthermore, when drunk driving is done on company time, such actions can expose employers to liability.
Doctor’s Notes: When Should An Employer Ask For One?
Is it OK to ask employees for a doctor’s note if they are off work due to illness? Do you have to wait a certain number of days before you can ask for a doctor’s note?
Appeal Processes
The Employment Standards Tribunal is an independent body from the Employment Standards Branch. The Branch is an investigative body, whereas the Tribunal is an adjudicative/judicial body. Employers or employees who are dissatisfied with determinations made at the Branch level may appeal to the Tribunal.
Compassionate Care Leave
As of May 2018, the entitlement to unpaid compassionate care leave in BC has increased from eight weeks to 27 weeks (six months).
Termination of Employment, Notice and Pay in Lieu of Notice
Upon the termination of employment, an employee is entitled to notice or payment in lieu of notice. Employers must be aware of their obligations. A failure to comply with the minimum notice standards under the Employment Standards Act can lead to further, increased damages against you.
Administrative Structure
The Employment Standards Branch, the Director of Employment Standards and the Employment Standards Tribunal are the agencies responsible for the administration of the Employment Standards Act.
Termination Without Cause: Determining Reasonable Notice
An employee is entitled to a certain amount of notice (or pay in lieu of notice) when their employment is terminated without cause. Terminating an employee without just cause can be complex. Employers should be careful in making determinations about the amount of notice provided to a terminated employee in order to avoid claims for wrongful dismissal.