client story - mass layoff - employment lawyer toronto

Navdeep’s Story: How a Mass Layoff Left Workers Without Compensation

Navdeep had dedicated seven years to his job in the IT team at a large company in Toronto, supporting his young family. One morning, he and fifty of his colleagues were abruptly laid off without any warning or compensation. Initially feeling powerless, Navdeep sought legal advice, which empowered him to fight for his rights and secure the compensation he was owed.

What Navdeep was Facing 

Name: Navdeep 
Age: 35 
Gender: Male 
Location: Toronto, Ontario 
Occupation: IT Professional 
Legal Challenge: Laid off during a mass termination without notice or compensation, along with fifty colleagues. 

Navdeep had always taken pride in his work. For seven years, he had been a reliable part of the IT team at a large company in Toronto. His efforts often went unnoticed in the day-to-day grind, but Navdeep stayed focused, motivated by the stability his job provided for his young family. 

That stability crumbled one morning during a mandatory team meeting. The company was restructuring, and Navdeep—along with fifty of his colleagues—was being laid off. There had been no warning, and no mention of compensation or advance notice. 

Facing Uncertainty 

With bills to pay and no immediate job prospects, Navdeep didn’t know where to turn. He had heard of others facing similar challenges but wasn’t sure what steps to take. A quick online search brought him to us, and he booked a consultation. 

When Navdeep explained his situation, it was clear he was overwhelmed—not just for himself, but for his colleagues, many of whom had been with the company even longer. 

Unpacking the Legal Issues 

We explained that under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA), when more than fifty employees are terminated at the same location within a short period, mass termination rules apply. These rules require employers to provide a longer notice period or termination pay in lieu, and in some cases, severance pay may also be required depending on the circumstances—such as payroll size or the nature of the layoff. 

Navdeep’s employer had skipped these obligations entirely. Knowing this gave Navdeep a renewed sense of control. His years of service hadn’t been erased—he had rights, and we were ready to help him pursue them. 

Taking Action 

We began by reviewing Navdeep’s employment contract, record of employment, and other documentation. With the facts in hand, we prepared a demand letter outlining the employer’s obligations under Ontario law and the compensation owed. 

When the company pushed back, we stayed firm—clearly setting out the legal risks of ignoring their responsibilities. After several rounds of negotiation, the employer agreed to provide proper compensation to Navdeep and many of his colleagues. 

Moving Forward 

For Navdeep, the outcome was about more than just money. It meant his time, loyalty, and effort had been respected—even under difficult circumstances. With his severance package in hand, he was able to take time to consider his next steps and eventually found a new role that matched both his skills and his goals. 

If you’re facing a sudden layoff or have questions about your entitlements, you’re not alone. Legal advice can make all the difference—just as it did for Navdeep. 

Were you part of a mass layoff without proper notice or compensation?

You may be entitled to more than your employer offered.

→ Call 1-800-771-7882 or book a consultation to get clear legal advice.

To protect privacy and ensure a smoother reading experience, some identifying details and certain facts have been changed. This account remains grounded in the legal issues and outcomes that occurred.

Think your workplace rights may have been violated? Talk to us. Many employees in Ontario don’t realize what they’re entitled to until they speak with a lawyer. If something doesn’t feel right, we’re here to help.