Zero Tolerance Policies and Medicinal Marijuana

Published on September 28, 2018

Stringer LLP

The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal weighs in on the legality of a “zero tolerance” policy for workplace (medicinal) marijuana consumption.

human rights,  occupational health and safety

Court Disregards Release where Settlement “Unconscionable”

Published on August 29, 2018

Stringer LLP

The Ontario Superior Court recently allowed an employee to proceed with claims against his former employer regarding long-term disability insurance, even though he had signed a release in exchange for a severance package when his employment ended. 

disability benefits,  employment law,  employment litigation,  wrongful dismissal litigation

Ontario Court of Appeal Finds Clarity in Termination Clause

Published on July 25, 2018

Stringer LLP

The Ontario Court of Appeal recently overruled a decision regarding a termination clause, finding that the provision clearly and unambiguously ousted the presumption of common law reasonable notice.

employment law,  employment litigation,  employment standards,  wrongful dismissal litigation

Save the Date: 2018 Annual Employers' Conference

Published on July 24, 2018

Stringer LLP

Mark your calendars on November 8, for our 32nd Annual Employers' Conference.

stringer llp announcements

Suspensions: Caution Required

Published on July 18, 2018

Stringer LLP

A recent case from the Ontario Court of Appeal highlights the risks of using suspensions, particularly unpaid ones, but also provides insight as to how employers may implement them.

constructive dismissal,  employment litigation,  wrongful dismissal litigation

Superior Court Confirms that Employers can Fundamentally Change Employment Contracts with Reasonable Notice

Published on July 11, 2018

Stringer LLP

In Lancia v. Park Dentistry, the Ontario Superior Court confirmed that employers can change the fundamental terms of an employee’s employment, without providing consideration, so long as they take appropriate steps to provide reasonable notice of the change coupled with notice that employment under current terms would terminate at the end of that notice period.

employment law,  employment litigation,  wrongful dismissal litigation

Off-Duty Drunk Driving Not Just Cause for Termination – Even for a Firefighter

Published on June 27, 2018

Stringer LLP

In a recent decision the British Columbia Superior Court found that an employer that terminated a firefighter for driving drunk in a fire department vehicle while off duty did not have just cause to terminate his employment.

employment law,  employment litigation,  wrongful dismissal litigation

Standard Release Language May Not Protect Against Sexual Harassment Allegations

Published on June 25, 2018

Stringer LLP

The Ontario Superior Court recently found that sexual harassment does not necessarily “arise out of” the employment relationship, even when it is perpetrated by another employee at the workplace. As such, releases purporting to settle all claims arising out of, or in any way connected to, an employment relationship may not effectively bar subsequent sexual harassment claims. 

employment litigation,  general litigation

Unsafe on the Roads, Unsafe in the Warehouse: Workers Convicted of “Distracted” Operation

Published on June 19, 2018

Stringer LLP

A recent case from the Ontario Court of Justice suggests that workplace policies can be a significant component in determining what constitutes unsafe conduct under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

occupational health and safety

Court Confirms Signaling Does Not Have to Be a Worker’s Only Job

Published on May 07, 2018

Stringer LLP

The Ontario Court of Justice was asked to determine what constitutes "not performing other work" as a signaller.

occupational health and safety

In Memory of Ted Stringer

Published on March 12, 2018

Stringer LLP

A vibrant mentor and respected advocate, all of us at Stringer LLP are saddened at the loss of our Firm's founder. Condolences to his family and close friends. He will be missed.

stringer llp announcements

Then Now Next: Ontario Government To Introduce Pay Transparency Legislation

Published on March 06, 2018

Stringer LLP

Premier Kathleen Wynne announced this morning that the Ontario government would introduce new legislation aimed at increasing pay transparency as part of a broader strategy to advance women’s economic empowerment entitled “Then Now Next: Ontario’s Strategy for Women’s Economic Empowerment”.

employment law,  human rights

Shifting Sands: Ontario Court of Appeal Upholds Termination Clause

Published on February 28, 2018

Stringer LLP

Employers, ever-weary of the next judicial pronouncement on the enforceability of specific termination clauses in employment contracts, may mark a recent decision by Ontario’s top court down on the positive side of the ledger.

employment law,  employment litigation,  wrongful dismissal litigation

Revoking Telecommute Agreement A Constructive Dismissal

Published on February 20, 2018

Stringer LLP

The Ontario Superior Court recently found that an employee had been constructively dismissed when her employer reneged on its promise that she could work from home three days per week.

employment law,  employment litigation,  wrongful dismissal litigation

Termination Clauses: Clearly Restrictive Language Necessary for Enforceability

Published on February 15, 2018

Stringer LLP

The Alberta Court of Appeal recently upheld a trial decision that struck a termination clause down as unenforceable.

employment law,  employment standards