Human Resources

Severance for sales people

August 27, 2018 Jeff Dutton, Dutton Employment Law Employment/Labour Standards, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Notice, Damages and Settlements, Payroll, Recruiting and Hiring

This article examines whether employers must include commissions, in addition to base salary, when calculating severance pay for sales people.

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Q&A: Bill 148 increases vacation entitlements for all employees

June 28, 2018 Ava Z Moradi, JD Employee Relations, Employment/Labour Standards, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Payroll, Pensions and Benefits, Wages and Compensation

In partnership with Stringer LLP, First Reference Inc. recently hosted the 19th Annual Employment Law Conference on June 12, 2018, where we discussed the latest legal developments on topics including practical compliance strategies in light of Bill 148. While the law is clear in theory, its application tells many stories as employers and HR professionals deal in the practical world of differing employment dynamics. In this conference Q&A, we address the increases to vacation entitlements brought forth by Bill 148.

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Three popular articles this week on HRinfodesk

June 28, 2018 Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B. Managing Editor Employee Relations, Employment/Labour Standards, Health and Safety, HR Policies and Procedures, HRMS, Human Resources, Human Rights, Payroll, Pensions and Benefits, Recruiting and Hiring, Union Relations

The three popular articles this week on HRinfodesk deal with an Ontario labour arbitration decision in which the arbitrator ruled personal emergency leave entitlement is in addition to any floater days allowed under a collective agreement, a recent HRTO decision which held there is no absolute right to use medical marijuana in the workplace, and a recent survey that found job seekers, while enticed by work from home options, are also aware of the pitfalls.

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The non-competition clause – Drafting and cautionary notes

June 22, 2018 Jeff Dutton, Dutton Employment Law Employee Relations, Employment/Labour Standards, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Recruiting and Hiring

A non-competition clause (or non-compete clause) is a passage in an employment contract which purports to prohibit employees from working for another employer or starting their own business which competes with their employer during and after employment.

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The curious incident of the sick dog and paid leave in the work day

November 1, 2017 Michele Glassford Employee Relations, Employment/Labour Standards, Health and Safety, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Human Rights, Payroll, Wages and Compensation

Earlier in October news outlets reported that a woman in Italy had successfully petitioned her employer to allow her to use two days of paid leave to care for her sick dog, rather than use vacation allotment.

Absenteeism, accommodation, accommodation on the basis of family status, bereavement leave, employment law, family leave, Human Resources, paid leave, personal emergency leave, policies and procedures

Top 5 mistakes employers make in their contracts

October 30, 2017 Jeff Dutton, Dutton Employment Law Employee Relations, Employment/Labour Standards, Human Resources, Notice, Damages and Settlements, Payroll, Recruiting and Hiring, Wages and Compensation

Employment contracts are a useful tool for employers. But often, employers make mistakes when creating their contracts. Here are five of the main mistakes to watch out for.

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A new spin on the HR department design

October 16, 2017 Deveen Hunter Employee Relations, HR Analytics, Human Resources

Like any other element of an organisation, the HR department must be structured in a way that allows it to deliver value to a business. This article explains why. There is a saying that when you point one finger in criticism, there are four fingers pointing back at you. This adage came to my mind […]

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Summarizing WSIB’s proposed Rate Framework, part 3

August 25, 2017 Clear Path Employer Services Health and Safety, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Payroll, Penalties and Fines, Pensions and Benefits, Source Deductions and Reporting, Union Relations, Wages and Compensation

This blog is the final chapter of a three-part series which examines the fundamental proposed changes to WSIB’s method of business classification and application of premium rates.

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Summarizing WSIB’s proposed Rate Framework, part 2

July 28, 2017 Clear Path Employer Services Health and Safety, Human Resources, Payroll, Source Deductions and Reporting

This blog is part two of a three-part series which examines the proposed fundamental changes to WSIB’s method of business classification and application of premium rates. Part one of this series explored how WSIB proposes to re-categorize Ontario businesses into 34 industries, based solely on “business activity”.

employment law, HR issues, Human Resources, NEER, wsib, WSIB business classification, WSIB premium rates, WSIB proposed Rate Framework, WSIB Rate Framework

Pay equity: Employer requirements

August 15, 2016 Beyond Rewards Inc Employee Relations, Human Resources, Payroll, Recruiting and Hiring, Union Relations, Wages and Compensation

Pay Equity is a requirement on Ontario employers to ensure that workers are paid equally for work of equal value, regardless of their gender. The requirement on employers arises out of the Pay Equity Act, which was passed by the Ontario Government in 1987 and became effective January 1, 1988; there was an amendment to this Act in 1993 as well.

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Presenteeism in the workplace

July 22, 2016 Beyond Rewards Inc Employee Relations, Employment/Labour Standards, Health and Safety, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Payroll, Pensions and Benefits, Training and Development

Presenteeism results in productivity loss, workplace epidemics, or poor health and exhaustion, which can lead to higher absenteeism for longer periods or accidents. Whether it is a physical or mental ailment, employees should be staying home when they are unable to be present at work. Being physically at work is different than being present at work. It is one thing to show up at work; it’s another thing to be actually productive while at work.

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New Liberal Government plans to keep best and brightest and support persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia

October 15, 2013 Amery Boyer Accessibility Standards, Employee Relations, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Human Rights, Payroll, Pensions and Benefits, Recruiting and Hiring, Training and Development

The newly elected Liberal government platform states that businesses need workers, and recent graduates and skilled workers need experience. The Liberal government states that it will support young graduates to develop the necessary skills and gain experience in their fields and develop an Accessibility for Nova Scotians with Disabilities Act.

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Most-viewed articles this week on HRinfodesk

June 28, 2012 Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B. Managing Editor Health and Safety, Human Resources, Payroll, Source Deductions and Reporting

Emergency response plans in the workplace: A recent HRinfodesk poll asked readers if they have an emergency response plan at their workplace. Out of 146 respondents, 105 respondents (72 percent) said they do… Stepping up employment standards enforcement and education: The province of Alberta is proceeding on plans to step up employment standards enforcement. These […]

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Most-viewed articles this week on HRinfodesk

June 21, 2012 Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B. Managing Editor Human Resources

The death knell for human resources? A recent article in the Globe and Mail’s careers section caused me to do a triple-take. It quoted studies indicating that the more an organization seeks to be undiscriminating and merit-based in its employment practices, the less likely it is to achieve those objectives. (In PDF) Just cause not […]

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