Recent reports indicate that Microsoft has announced another significant round of workforce reductions as part of its ongoing corporate transformation, affecting thousands of employees worldwide (as reported by Reuters).

If you’ve recently been terminated from your employment in Ontario, it’s important to understand that being dismissed does not necessarily mean you’ve received everything you’re legally entitled to receive.

Wrongful dismissal in Ontario

In Ontario, employers often have an obligation to provide employees with reasonable notice of termination, or compensation in lieu of that notice. In many cases, an employee’s legal entitlement is substantially greater than the minimum termination and severance pay required under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”).

The amount of compensation available can depend on a variety of factors, including:

  • Your age
  • Your position and responsibilities
  • Your length of service
  • Your compensation package
  • The availability of comparable employment

Every termination is different, and employers do not always offer employees the full amount they may be entitled to receive. In some cases, total severance entitlements can reach 24-26 months of total compensation, including pay in lieu of salary, benefits, bonus, incentive programs, pension match, and so forth.

Before you sign a severance package

Many employers ask employees to sign a severance package shortly after termination. Once accepted, those agreements can significantly affect your legal rights.

Before signing any release or accepting a severance offer, it’s often worthwhile to have the package reviewed by an experienced employment lawyer. A legal review can help determine whether the offer fairly reflects your entitlements under Ontario law.

How Pelsmakher Law can help

At Pelsmakher Law, we are committed to helping individuals navigate terminations and wrongful dismissal claims, with confidence. We regularly advise employees who have been terminated without cause, negotiate improved severance packages, and pursue wrongful dismissal claims in court, to obtain fair compensation.

Whether you were recently laid off by a large multinational employer, a growing technology company, or a local business, we can assess your situation, explain your legal rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve recently lost your job, contact Pelsmakher Law for a confidential consultation before signing any severance package. A brief conversation today may make a significant difference to your financial recovery.