fbpx

We’re hiring! View job posting for Legal Receptionist.

Zeilikman Law
Contact Us

Labour & Employment Law Blog

A court contradicts an earlier decision: A layoff does not constitute constructive dismissal at common law when implemented for COVID-19 related purposes

Arthur Zeilikman

Arthur Zeilikman

A court contradicts an earlier decision: A layoff does not constitute constructive dismissal at common law when implemented for COVID-19 related purposes

Ontario employment law is a dynamic area of practice that is constantly evolving and the COVID-19 pandemic gave this proposition a jolt.

Because the COVID-19 pandemic caused a severe downturn in business for many employers the Ontario government put into law various regulatory changes that classified layoffs (and other changes in employment) as a job-protected leave. The idea was to allow employers some breathing room during this difficult time. A debate then ensued as to whether employees were still free to pursue an action for constructive dismissal under the right circumstances even if they were barred from doing it for the purposes of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”).

Only a few weeks ago we blogged about the decision in Coutinho v. Ocular Health Centre Ltd., 2021 ONSC 3076 here. In that case the court ruled that the regulatory regime created by the Ontario government did not affect an employee’s right to pursue a civil action for constructive dismissal against an employer at common law even when the employee was laid-off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the new case of Taylor v. Hanley Hospitality Inc., 2021 ONSC 3135 a different judge specifically rejected the ruling in Coutinho holding that the government’s regulations displaced the common law. This means that the most recent decision in Taylor would bar employees from asserting constructive dismissal under the regulatory regime not only for the purposes of the ESA but the common law also.

Our Thoughts

Ignorance is not bliss and at the present we have two diametrically divergent decisions as to the state of layoff law in Ontario. Practically speaking, at this point the issue will remain unresolved until the matter is decided by the Ontario Court of Appeal. For the present it’s 1:1 for employers and employees.

The above article is for general information purposes only, does not constitute legal advice or create a solicitor-client relationship. Because each case is unique and factually driven, if you have concerns with regard to the foregoing issues, please make an appointment with one of our lawyers or a qualified legal practitioner elsewhere. We represent clients in the Greater Toronto Area including Toronto, North York, Markham, Vaughan, Thornhill, Newmarket, Aurora, Brampton, Mississauga, Barrie, Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa.

Request a Consultation

Call 905-417-2227
Submit a request online
Facebook Instagram Twitter Linkedin
Contact Us

Legal Receptionist

Zeilikman Law is an employment law firm located in Vaughan, Ontario. We are looking to hire a legal receptionist to join our firm. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working as a receptionist at another law firm.

Location: Vaughan, Ontario.

Start Date: Immediately.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Full time. In-person only. This is not a remote work position.

Wages: 35,000 to 40,000 per year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage our firm’s multi-line telephone system to receive incoming calls.  Screen incoming telephone call inquiries to determine the nature of the telephone call and provide standard information related to our legal services.  Take and deliver messages and route incoming telephone calls to the appropriate staff person.
  • Answer general inquiries coming from the firm’s social media and website email.
  • Welcome in-person visitors upon arrival.  Direct visitors to the appropriate staff person and / or office or boardroom.
  • Organize in-person visitor schedule to prevent overlap and multiple bookings.
  • Receive, sort, and distribute daily mail and deliveries.
  • Arrange for couriers.
  • Keep front reception, kitchenette area and boardroom tidy.
  • Perform various clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, and faxing on an as-needed basis.
  • Process client or other payments.
  • May be asked to run minor errands outside of office such as attending post office to arrange a courier or pick up mail.
  • May be asked to assist other law clerks or lawyers of the firm as required and as appropriate.
  • Any other basic administrative duties or tasks as deemed appropriate.

Required Skills:

  • Basic knowledge of general office procedures including filing, faxing, and printing and copying.
  • Basic word processing computer skills.
  • Proficient in receptionist and telephone practices, etiquette, and decorum.
  • Professional attitude and appearance.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Positive customer service attitude is a must.
  • Must be able to maintain confidential and sensitive information.

Education and Experience:

  • Highschool diploma or equivalent.
  • 1 – 2 years’ experience in an office setting with an emphasis in accounting, reception or clerical work is required.   We would prefer experience in a law firm environment.

Applications for this position should be sent via email to jennifer@zeilikmanlaw.com. All applications should include a cover letter, resume and at least two references. Only successful candidates will be contacted.