Given the amount of time we devote to our jobs, how much our families and we rely on them to survive, and the inherent power dynamics in the employer-employee relationship, the need for the protection of workers in the general public by employment lawyers is crucial to providing safe and fair working conditions.
A Toronto employment lawyer is an essential contact to have. Consider consulting them before making any workplace-related decisions. Often, when we start a new job, we're excited about the offer and may overlook 'small' violations of our workplace rights. It is also often the case that workers in Toronto aren't aware of the rights they have.
An employment lawyer will advise you not only of your rights, but also offer practical advice on how to protect them. They will also help you preserve your relationship with your employer when necessary. But, offer advice on when to sever ties to suit your needs.
Here are some other ways employment lawyers protect Toronto workers.
If your employer makes substantial and unilateral changes to your responsibilities at work, salary, or benefits without your approval, you may feel that your working conditions have become unsustainable. Often this means that you have no other option but to find a new job.
Employers sometimes engage in this type of behavior when they want to terminate an employee. However, they have no reason to do so and want to avoid paying out a severance package the employee is entitled to. This can be considered constructive dismissal. By simply quitting or accepting those changes, you can end up walking away from crucial financial support when you need it most. It could also adversely affect your mental health by staying in an unhealthy work environment.
If you are in this situation, it is critical that you obtain the opinion of an employment lawyer before taking any action. The law on this subject is not clear-cut, so advice is crucial. If your employment lawyer believes you have a case for constructive dismissal, they will advise you on the steps you need to take. However, you must do this before leaving in order to preserve your rights to a severance package.
An employment lawyer can provide confidential legal advice that you might not feel comfortable seeking at work if you face harassment, bullying, violence in the workplace, or discrimination. It's challenging to put your trust in coworkers in a toxic workplace.
This is particularly true if the harasser is a powerful coworker, your employer, or a supervisor. Especially, one who is fostering a hostile work environment. If you are experiencing harassment, an employment lawyer can step in on your behalf. Or, they can offer guidance on how to handle the situation. This gives you several choices for stopping the harassment. It also allows you to hit an abusive employer where it hurts by getting you compensation.
In a toxic workplace, however, an employment lawyer's main concern is to ensure that if you file a complaint, you are protected from intimidation or retaliation. Additionally, employment lawyers can help level the playing field. Thus, ensure that you receive a fair hearing if you have to present your case before a Human Rights Tribunal.
You may be hesitant to consult with an employment lawyer about workplace politics. However, employment lawyers are frequently called in to arbitrate workplace disagreements. Even if the stress you're experiencing isn't worsening, an employment lawyer's advice can help defuse the situation.
However, if the conflict is with your employer, you should contact an employment lawyer right away. They've seen enough phony "for-cause" terminations and constructive dismissals. An employment lawyer can advise you on communication tactics and warning indicators to look for. This can help keep your rights protected in the workplace.
