Severance Pay in Ontario: What Makes a Good Offer?

Severance Pay in Ontario: What Makes a Good Offer?

When you find yourself facing termination from your job, it is crucial to understand the concept of severance pay and what constitutes a fair offer in Ontario.

Severance pay in Ontario is the compensation provided by your employer when they decide to end your employment. The criteria for determining an equitable severance pay offer draw from both common law and the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA).

It is essential to distinguish between your entitlements under the ESA and any potential negotiations with your employer. ESA entitlements are non-negotiable and cannot be denied by your employer upon termination. These standards set the minimum requirements for severance pay, ensuring that you receive at least what the law mandates.

However, it is vital to recognize that these minimums might not reflect the full scope of what you are entitled to under common law. Common law considerations, such as your years of service, position, and the circumstances surrounding your termination, play a significant role in determining your severance package.

To better understand what constitutes a favorable severance pay offer in Ontario, let’s delve deeper into the factors that influence it.

Severance Pay (Ontario) Under the Employment Standards Act (ESA)

In Ontario, the Employment Standards Act (ESA) serves as a safeguard for employees, ensuring that they receive the minimum statutory severance pay in case of termination. It is important to understand the basics of severance pay as dictated by the ESA:

  • If you have maintained continuous employment for a minimum of 3 months, you are entitled to one week’s pay for each year of service with your employer, up to a maximum of eight weeks’ pay for employees who have been with the company for 8 years or more.
  • An additional week’s pay per year of service is owed if you have worked for your employer for at least 5 years and meet one of the following criteria:
    • Your employer has an annual payroll of $2.5 million or more.
    • 50 or more employees are losing their jobs within a 6-month period.

The ESA stipulates that the maximum severance pay an employee can receive is equivalent to 26 weeks’ pay. This sets the legal foundation for minimum statutory severance pay in Ontario, providing essential protection for employees. However, it is important to note that common law considerations may result in a more favorable severance package based on various factors.

Common Law Severance Pay

While the Employment Standards Act (ESA) provides the fundamental framework for severance pay in Ontario, the common law plays a significant role in shaping the actual severance packages offered by employers. The common law supplements ESA’s minimums by considering a critical aspect: the “notice period.”

The notice period refers to the time an employer must provide notice to an employee before terminating their employment. In cases where an employer chooses not to provide notice, they must compensate the employee in lieu of notice. The length of the notice period, or the pay in lieu of notice, is determined by a set of factors established in the landmark case of Bardal v. Globe & Mail Ltd. These factors, often referred to as the “Bardal factors,” include:

  • Length of employment: The longer you have worked for your employer, the longer the notice period may be.
  • Employee’s age: Age is a significant factor as it affects an employee’s ease of finding new employment. Older employees may be entitled to longer notice periods.
  • Job title and position: The nature of your role within the company also influences the notice period. Higher-ranking positions often result in longer notice periods.
  • Availability of employment: If employment opportunities in your industry are limited, this factor may extend the notice period.
  • Any other relevant factors: The specific circumstances surrounding your employment and termination may introduce additional factors that impact the notice period.

It is worth noting that employees with specialized skills may be entitled to extended notice periods due to the unique and often hard-to-replace nature of their expertise. Additionally, the consideration of age is rooted in the understanding that older employees may face greater challenges in securing new positions.

Understanding these common law principles is vital when evaluating the fairness of a severance offer, as they provide a legal basis for assessing what constitutes a good severance pay package beyond the ESA‘s minimum standards.

Determining Your Severance Pay Entitlement

In Ontario, it is essential to understand which type of severance pay applies to your situation. Employees in the province are typically entitled to common law severance pay, unless their employment contract explicitly limits them to ESA severance pay.

Here is a key distinction:

1. Common Law Severance Pay: Common law severance pay is the default framework for severance pay in Ontario. Unless your employment contract explicitly states that you are only entitled to ESA severance pay, common law principles apply.

2. ESA Severance Pay: If your employment contract specifies that you are entitled to ESA severance pay and nothing more, then your entitlement is limited to the statutory minimums outlined in the Employment Standards Act.

When reviewing your employment contract, pay particular attention to the termination clause. This clause can significantly impact your severance entitlements. It may either limit your common law entitlements or provide a specific formula for calculating your severance pay. Understanding the terms of your contract is crucial, as it directly affects the severance you may receive upon termination. It is recommended to seek legal guidance to ensure you fully comprehend your rights and entitlements.

Maximum Severance Pay in Ontario

The maximum amount of common law severance pay (Ontario) an employee is generally entitled to receive is capped at 24 months’ pay. This means that, in most cases, an employee may be eligible for up to two years’ worth of their regular salary as part of their severance package under common law principles.

However, it is important to note that some employers may attempt to use the terms of the employment contract to limit or even eliminate the amount of severance pay owed to the employee under common law. This is where the termination clause in your contract comes into play. In some cases, the termination clause restricts your entitlements to the statutory minimums outlined in the ESA.

It is worth mentioning that not all termination clauses are well-drafted or kept up to date with changes in employment law. This can render the employment contract unenforceable, potentially resulting in a more substantial severance package than initially offered.

In light of this, it is crucial for employees to review their employment contracts thoroughly. The terms within your contract can significantly affect the severance pay you receive upon termination. If you discover that your contract contains restrictive termination clauses, it may be in your best interest to seek legal advice to understand your rights and explore the possibility of negotiating a more favorable severance package.

Collecting Your Severance Pay in Ontario

If you have been let go from your job and want to ensure you receive the full severance pay you are entitled to, there are specific steps to follow. To start, it is essential to understand the distinction between severance pay under the ESA and common law severance pay.

Contact the Ministry of Labour: The first step is to get in touch with the Ontario Ministry of Labour. They can assist you in obtaining your statutory severance pay as outlined in the ESA. Remember, this is typically the minimum severance pay you are entitled to, and it is crucial to ensure you receive it.

Seek Legal Advice: If you believe you are owed more than what is prescribed by the ESA, it is advisable to consult an employment lawyer. A severance lawyer is well-versed in the intricacies of employment law, including common law severance pay. They can assess your situation, evaluate your contract, and determine if you have grounds to claim additional severance pay beyond the statutory minimums.

Negotiate with Your Employer: With legal guidance, you can negotiate with your former employer to secure a more generous severance package that aligns with common law principles. Employers may be willing to offer a more favorable package to avoid potential legal disputes.

It is important to note that while the Ministry of Labour can assist in obtaining statutory severance pay, they are not equipped to help you secure a full common law severance package. To explore the possibility of a more substantial severance offer based on common law, it is advisable to consult a severance lawyer.

In Conclusion

In the realm of Ontario employment law, when employers terminate employees, they are legally bound to provide the employee with their minimum entitlements as defined by the Employment Standards Act (ESA). This statutory severance pay is an essential safety net for employees. However, it is vital to understand that statutory severance is the minimum requirement, and employees may be entitled to more.

When employees have the right to common law reasonable notice beyond the ESA-mandated pay, they have the option to pursue legal action for wrongful dismissal. Determining common law entitlements can be a complex and nuanced process, necessitating a profound understanding of employment law. As employees, having a grasp of what you may be entitled to under common law is crucial for negotiating more favorable terms.

In some instances, employees may also be eligible for additional damages, depending on the conduct of their employer. These additional damages can further protect employees’ rights and ensure they are treated fairly in the event of termination.

Navigating severance pay in Ontario involves considering both the statutory ESA entitlements and the potential for common law severance pay. Consulting with a severance lawyer can provide invaluable insight into your specific situation, safeguard your rights, and help you secure the severance pay you rightfully deserve.

If you have any questions, require legal guidance, or need assistance with severance pay matters, feel free to contact us at Achkar Law. Our team of experienced severance lawyers is dedicated to helping employees understand their rights and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Contact Achkar Law

Do you need help understanding your severance pay package? Achkar Law is here to assist you. Our knowledgeable legal team can provide the guidance you need to ensure your severance package is fair and meets legal standards. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you understand your entitlements and options.

Feel free to reach out to us for assistance via our toll-free phone line at 1 (800) 771-7882 or by sending an email to [email protected]. We are here to help and look forward to addressing your needs.

Looking for a Severance Lawyer?

If you’re negotiating a severance package, our skilled severance lawyers at Achkar Law can provide the support and guidance you need. Reach out to us for a consultation.

 

Further Reading

Severance Pay In Ontario: What Employers Need To Know

Severance Pay: Understanding The Impact Of Length Of Service On Entitlements

Termination Pay: Why Do Long Service Employees Get More?

Is Severance Pay Taxable in Ontario