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Labour & Employment Law Blog

The New Pay Transparency Bill

The New Pay Transparency Bill

In March, the Ontario Premier, Kathleen Wynne, introduced a new Pay Transparency Bill. The proposed bill aims to expose and close the pay gap between men and women, which, in some sectors, can be as high as 30 per cent.

If passed, the Pay Transparency Bill would require all publicly advertised job postings to include the salary rate or range, and bar employers from asking potential employees about their prior compensation. This means that job hunters would know, going in, what they can expect to earn; also, potential employers would not be permitted to ask job applicants what they previously made to guide them in salary negotiations.

To further improve transparency and dialogue regarding gaps in pay, the Pay Transparency Bill also prohibits reprisals against workers who discuss or disclose their compensation with coworkers.  Freedom from reprisal, however, is already protected in some instances. If an employee asks a supervisor for a raise, or discusses pay with a fellow worker and the supervisor punishes the employee (by creating a toxic work environment, for example), the worker can consider it a termination and demand compensation for, among other things, breach of contract.  The Ontario Human Rights Code also already works to protect workers from discrimination.  If an employee discovers she is making less than her male counterpart, asks for a raise, and is denied the raise out of, what she reasonably suspects as, gender discrimination, then her employer could be in violation the Ontario Human Rights Code.

A final rule, laid out by the Pay Transparency Bill, would require all large businesses to track and report gaps in compensation (based on gender and other characteristics of diversity).  Starting with the Ontario Public Service (before applying to companies with more than 500 employees to later extending to those with more than 250 workers) companies would not only have to report their findings to the provincial government, but also publicly post them within the workplace.  By requiring large companies to justify gaps in pay, employers would be forced to do just that: explain exactly why Employee A makes more than Employee B.

The Bill means to allow employees greater freedom in seeking and discussing compensation. If a worker knows exactly what a co-worker, of similar title and responsibilities, earns, that worker will supposedly feel more comfortable asking for the same compensation.  Similarly, if an employee suspects discrimination, she will (again, supposedly) feel more comfortable challenging it in a system that seeks both transparency and accountability. It remains to be seen whether such a change would foster a happier co-existence or foment mistrust between workers and employers throughout the province.

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.

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.