Module #6: Employment Law Flashcards
Employment Law
law of master and servant
Three factors that have changed the ways employees are treated now
- the development of the middle class
- women in politics
- introduction of labor unions
Distinguishing between employment and independant contract
- vicarious liability
- employment legislation
- income tax deductions
Independant Contractor Example
plumber who fixes sink
Control Test
who controls the work that is done, who decides where/when/how the work is done
organization test
how integral/important is the person to the organization, the higher this is, the more likely it is a employment relationship
All other factors
risk of loss, written agreement, the person working has their own tools, written agreement is one of many factors
Obligations of Employers
- pay salary or wages
- honor employment contract
- provide safe working conditions
Obligations of employees
work competently
be on time
be loyal
fiduciary duty (maybe) - legal interest to act solely in the best interest of the other party
Termination of employment with cause
an employee is not entitled to notice of termination or severance pay
Termination with cause reasoning
employee can be dismissed on the spot immediately / breach of contract by the employee that is serious enough to void an employee contract (essentially what it is)
Examples of sufficient breach of contract
serious misconduct, dishonesty, insubordination, chronic absenteeism, sexual harassment, conflict of interest
What degree should misconduct rise to to become cause
violates an essential condition of the employment contract
breaches the trust/faith that is inherent in the working relationship
fundamentally inconsistent with the employee’s obligations to the employer
Significant Seniority
pay, severance (trying to terminate these types of people = lawsuit)
Progressive Discipline
aka verbal reprimand, written reprimand, suspensions and then you can terminate for cause
Termination without cause
must be in good faith and it must be for business reasons
Two sets of obligations on the employer (without cause)
must provide ESA notice and severance
must provide reasonable notice → usually longer than notice required under the employment standard act