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Pay Equity

Canada prohibits discrimination in employment based on a person’s sex or employment status. As a result, several jurisdictions guarantee equal pay for work of equal value. The human rights legislation in Canada prohibits any pay equity violations.

An employer has to provide equal pay for work that is substantially the same, requires the same skill, effort, and responsibility and is performed under similar working conditions in the same establishment (even if the employees work at different locations under the same employer).

An employer is not able to lower an employee’s rate of pay to create equal pay for equal work.

Pay Equity Exceptions

Several exceptions apply with respect to pay equity. These exceptions include seniority, merit, a system that measures earnings by quantity or quality of the product, and any other difference that is not based on the sex of the employee.

I am not being paid fairly compared to my co-workers, what options do I have?

An employee can request a review by their employer (without fear of reprisal) if they believe that they are being paid less than employees that are of a different sex or employment status for equal work. 

Employees should include when requesting a review of their pay rate, the position or job that they are comparing their work to, why they believe that the work is equal, and why they believe that their rate of pay is equal.

In Ontario, several options are available to an employee who is experiencing inequitable pay. An employee has the option of filing a human rights complaint, filing a complaint to the Ministry of Labour, or possibly suing the employer for constructive dismissal.

How can Zeilikman Law help?

Each individual’s situation will be unique. To assess whether you have been constructively dismissed, contact one of our experienced lawyers today to set up a consultation to discuss your options and next steps.

At Zeilikman Law, we approach these issues with logical and creative solutions. Our lawyers are, professional, friendly, and determined. We have the know-how to navigate through the psychology of any given dispute. Request a consultation today!

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.