Employees in Ontario facing workplace challenges often turn to specialized labour and employment lawyers in Toronto for protection and advocacy.
From unfair terminations to discrimination, these firms provide critical support to ensure your rights under the Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, and the common law are upheld.
While many firms focus exclusively on employees, others represent both sides. At Rozek & Co, as a labour and employment lawyer in Toronto, I represent both employers and employees.
Here’s an overview of common services labour law firms in Toronto provide for employee rights:
Wrongful and Constructive Dismissal Claims
One of the most frequent issues is termination without proper cause or notice.
Wrongful Dismissal: Firms help assess if your firing was unjust and pursue compensation beyond minimums, often up to 24 months’ pay depending on age, tenure, and role.
Constructive Dismissal: If changes like demotions, pay cuts, or toxic environments force you to resign, lawyers can claim it’s equivalent to termination.
A skilled labour and employment lawyer in Toronto negotiates severance or litigates for fair outcomes, often on contingency (no win, no fee).
Severance Package Review and Negotiation
Many employees receive inadequate offers upon termination.
Firms review packages for compliance with ESA minimums and common law entitlements, negotiating improvements-sometimes adding tens of thousands in compensation, benefits continuation, or references.
Workplace Harassment, Bullying, and Toxic Environments
Protection from hostile workplaces is key.
Services include advising on reporting, filing complaints, and pursuing damages for emotional distress or poisoned work environments. This overlaps with human rights issues.
Human Rights and Discrimination Complaints
Discrimination based on protected grounds (age, race, gender, disability, etc.) is illegal.
Labour and employment lawyers in Toronto assist with filing at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, seeking accommodations (e.g., for disabilities), and claiming remedies like reinstatement or compensation.
Employment Contract Review and Disputes
Before or after signing, lawyers analyze contracts for unfair clauses like non-competes, termination provisions, or bonus entitlements.
They also handle disputes over unpaid wages, commissions, overtime, or independent contractor misclassification.
Disability Benefits and Leaves
Support for denied long-term disability claims, maternity/parental leaves, or sick leave disputes.
Firms challenge insurers or employers to secure benefits.
Other Specialized Services
Layoffs and Mass Terminations: Ensuring proper notice and pay.
Ministry of Labour Claims: For unpaid wages or violations.
Class Actions: For groups affected by systemic issues.
Many firms offer free or low-cost initial consultations, virtual options, and contingency arrangements to make access easier.
How Rozek & Co Can Help with Employee Rights
As a small business lawyer in Toronto, I represent both employees and small and medium-sized businesses on proactive compliance (drafting contracts, policies, and defending claims), my deep knowledge of both sides allows me to provide informed guidance if you’re an employee referred or facing overlapping issues.
Our boutique approach ensures personalized, efficient service-competing with larger firms through direct access and cost-effective strategies. If you’re dealing with a workplace issue, contact Rozek & Co today for a confidential discussion. As your labour and employment lawyer in Toronto, we’re committed to fair outcomes.
