Employment Law
Termination of employment, with or without cause, Layoffs, Workers` Compensation Board complaints, Employment Insurance matters, Human Rights, Workplace Harassment and Bullying, Occupational Health and Safety, Employment Standards complaints, etc. are very complex issues to handle, both for employers and employees. Our dispute resolution approach is our initial step towards ensuring proper advice is provided, and resolution achieved outside the Courts. When this fails, we have the experience to represent our clients, in their best interests, to ensure that they secure the compensation that is appropriate, or they are not exposed to disproportionate liabilities.
The relationship between employers and employees go beyond working for wages. There is the human/moral aspect that has a say in the manner that this relationship should be handled, or when termination should occur, how it should be handled, so that everyone is respected. No matter what happens, there is always a solution to every employment dispute, especially with the most complex issues that pertain to severance, termination pay or pay in lieu of notice, or the combination of both. We assist employees as well as employers to navigate these complex phase of the employment relationship.
The Oil & gas labor issues, especially international mobility of expats require deep knowledge of international, as well as local labor laws, in combination with jurisdictional clauses included in the employment contracts. We make sure all workers that live in different continents and work on others understand the laws that should protect them, while advising principals, agents, operators, etc. on the best law to apply to avoid conflicts.
The Maritime sector has special regulations for the welfare of seafarers and there are special ILO regulations that govern maritime labor issues. We combine local laws, with special provisions for the maritime sector as it concerns employment, to resolve all issues pertaining to maritime labor law, with special emphasis on accidents; personal injuries on board or within the confines of the maritime jurisdictions and laws. The interphase between the sea and ports, where some accidents, losses or damage to goods occur, completely changes the applicable laws in some circumstances.
Review of Employment Contracts, Termination and Severance Packages
For employees to be satisfied and ready to be productive, they need to predict their future should there be a termination. We advice employees on the aspects to make sure are captured in their contracts, to ensure that they do not sign away their rights prior to signing their contracts. In the event of a termination, we review to make sure they have been properly terminated, and all their entitlements have been paid, and a positive letter of reference provided.