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Labour & Employment Law Blog

Tim Hortons Employees May Be Entitled to Compensation

Tim Hortons Employees May Be Entitled to Compensation

On January 1st, 2018, the minimum wage in Ontario jumped $2.40 to an even $14.  Along with a raise to the hourly wage, workers are also to receive benefits like emergency leave and other forms of protected leave  – all guaranteed under new legislation.  In reaction to the increase in minimum wage, some Tim Hortons franchisees have cut paid breaks and reduced employee benefits.

Under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, Tim Hortons is not required to give employees paid breaks.  However, because employees had paid breaks, they have become part of the contract of their employment with Tim Hortons.  By taking away what was once expected by employees, Tim Hortons has breached a term of their employment contract if the parties did not turn their minds to such a possibility when these employees were first hired.

In employment law, substantial changes to the employment contract may be grounds for a constructive dismissal. A constructive dismissal occurs when an employee experiences a fundamental change to their employment contract.   Grounds for constructive dismissal depend on the significance of the changes to the employment contract and whether these changes were substantial enough to warrant a determination that a breach took place.

If you are an employee and feel that your contract of employment has been breached, consider the significance of these changes.  If the changes are considerable, contact an employment lawyer to discuss your rights and whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Before making changes to an employment contract, employers should always speak to an employment lawyer.  An employment lawyer can assist you in minimizing liability in potential claims of constructive dismissal.

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.