With the amount of time we devote to our jobs and how much we rely on them to survive, the prudent thing to do is to consult with an employment lawyer from time to time to ensure that you know your rights in the workplace and how to protect them.
Especially before making any major work-related decisions, it’s crucial to seek out employment law services from a specialist who can provide expertise in contract and employment law and advise on matters such as termination, workplace harassment, vacation entitlements, disability issues, pay and safety in the workplace.
Given the impact that these issues have on our lives and our families, it is essential to understand our rights in relation to them.
The following are just some of the essential services employment lawyers provide.
Seeking Counsel Before Accepting a Job Offer
The employment contract is a crucial document that outlines your job duties, responsibilities, compensation, severance clauses, benefits, bonuses, and how the resolution of disputes between the employer and employee will take place.
Importantly, employment contracts also commonly dictate how much severance pay you are entitled to if you are ever terminated. In order to avoid being stuck with a subpar severance package in the event you’re terminated, an employment lawyer is the best person to consult before signing.
An employment contract has a profound impact on your work experience and quality of life, so it’s imperative to have an expert who is knowledgeable in the law and is obligated to act in your best interests review it before you sign. This ensures that you comprehend how every clause in the contract can possibly affect you. An employment lawyer can also help you negotiate a better employment contract.
Knowing Your Rights and What to Do If You’re Harassed or Bullied at Work
If you experience criminal harassment, bullying, workplace violence or discrimination, an employment lawyer can offer confidential legal advice that you may not be comfortable getting at work. In a poisoned work environment, it’s not easy to trust the people you work with.
This is especially true when the source of harassment is your employer, supervisor, or a colleague with a lot of influence who has created a hostile work environment. An employment lawyer can intervene on your behalf if you are facing harassment or provide advice on how to deal with the harassment in a way that gives you multiple options for ending the harassment and receiving compensation.
They will also ensure that you are protected from retaliation or intimidation if you file a complaint. And if you are in a situation where you need to take your case to a Human Rights Tribunal, you’ll need an employment lawyer to ensure your success.
Protecting Your Rights If Your Employer Attempts to Change Your Employment Terms
If your employer significantly and unilaterally changes your job duties, compensation or benefits without your consent, you may feel that your work situation has become untenable and that you need to seek employment elsewhere.
This may be a case of constructive dismissal, which is similar to being terminated without cause, and entitles you to the severance package that you would not otherwise be eligible for if you just quit.
It is vital to seek the advice of an employment lawyer before taking any action if you are in this position, as the law on this issue is not clear-cut. If your lawyer believes that you have a case for constructive dismissal, they will advise you on how to proceed.
