Preparing for the End of the Infectious Disease Emergency Leave
What is the Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (IDEL)? In response to COVID-19, the Ontario government introduced the Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (IDEL) under the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). Under IDEL, a non-unionized employee is deemed to be on IDEL if their employer has temporarily reduced, or eliminated their hours due to COVID-19. These […]
Considerations for Returning to the Workplace
Considerations for Returning to the Workplace As Ontario eases several restrictions and as more employees continue to receive full vaccinations, employers are increasingly turning their mind to recalling their staff back to work in the office. While each workplace will have its own unique considerations, a flexible plan which guides such a return can ease […]
IDEL Layoffs Constitute a Constructive Dismissal
IDEL Layoffs Constitute a Constructive Dismissal – Important Update from the Ontario Superior Court Since the introduction of the Infectious Disease Emergency Leave in May 2020, there has been great speculation as to its impact on the ability of employees who have been laid off due to COVID-19 to claim constructive dismissal. Pre-pandemic, most layoffs would constitute […]
COVID-19 UPDATE: Ontario Government Extends Infectious Disease Emergency Leave to January 2, 2021
The Infectious Disease Emergency Leave provisions initially slated to end on September 4, 2020, six weeks after the State of Emergency ended in Ontario, have been further extended until January 2, 2021. On May 29, 2020, the Ontario Government introduced O. Reg. 228/20: Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (‘IDEL”). This temporary provision under the Employment Standards Act, […]