The Backbone of NWO
Small business is the backbone of Northwestern Ontario. Funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, in partnership with FedNor, Thunder Bay Ventures administers the Community Futures Program, a program that provides financial assistance to small businesses in the Thunder Bay region for new business startups, as well as expansions to existing businesses, in amounts […]
Layoff, Termination, and Infectious Disease Emergency Leave
People often use the terms layoff and termination interchangeably, but they have distinct legal meanings. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused huge numbers of layoffs and terminations, so it is now essential that employers and employees understand when a layoff is actually (or becomes) a termination.
WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMASK – FROM A SOCIAL DISTANCE…
The law firm of O’Neill Associates will be closed from 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23 to 9 a.m. on Monday, January 4, 2021 to celebrate this special time of the year – especially this year. All of us at OA would like to extend warm Christmas wishes to our clients, friends and family. What […]
OLRB: Foodora Workers are Dependent Contractors Who Have the Right to Unionize
The recent decision of the Ontario Labour Relations Board (“OLRB”) in Canadian Union of Postal Workers v Foodora Inc. 2020 CanLII 16750 is a landmark decision for employers and workers in what has come to be known as the “gig economy.” In the Foodora decision, the OLRB determined that fast food couriers working for Foodora are “dependent contractors”, and therefore have the right to unionize. The Foodora case illustrates some of the risks of classifying a worker as an independent contractor, when they are more akin to an employee.
Developing a COVID-19 Working from Home Policy
As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop, some employers are allowing their employees to move to remote workspaces. When drafting a WFH policy, employers should take into consideration the variables that may affect the business’s day-to-day operation and their obligations to their employees.
Accommodation, Addiction, And Workplace Misconduct
When considering what discipline is appropriate for workplace misconduct, an employer must examine a variety of factors such as the workplace policy.
Welcome to Our New Students
O’Neill Associates is proud to support students from the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law (Lakehead University, Thunder Bay) through the school’s unique Integrated Practice Curriculum (IPC) Program. The IPC, a Bora Laskin variation of the “articling” program students complete at most other law schools, matches students with law firms to work side-by-side with experienced lawyers […]
Progressive Discipline for Misconduct and Inadequate Performance
The concept of progressive discipline is principally recognized and applied in a unionized work environment. While it may apply in some non-union settings, its application will be determined by existing employment contracts and the law of constructive dismissal.
COVID-19 and the Right to Refuse Unsafe Work
This article applies to employees in the province of Ontario who work for provincially regulated employers and are subject to the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. Different rules apply for those who are federally regulated.
Congratulations Erin
O’Neill Associates congratulates our latest addition to the OA team, Erin Hansen, graduating from the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law with First Class Standing. Because of the pandemic, her graduation was held by Zoom but she was fortunate to spend the weekend celebrating with family and friends who surprised her with a big parade, […]