A term that never fails to fill hard-working British Columbians with dread is “layoffs.”
Sadly, it’s not uncommon for employers in the province to temporarily or permanently scale back their staffing levels.
READ MORE: How do temporary layoffs work in B.C.? An employment lawyer explains
In the event of a permanent layoff or termination, here are three mistakes to avoid at all costs.
1. Don’t lose your temper
One of the worst things you can do after finding out that you’re being let go is lash out at your boss.
Severance for non-unionized employees in B.C. can be as much as 24 months’ pay. Getting angry or doing something to hurt the company could affect the amount of compensation you’re legally entitled to.
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READ MORE: 5 ways to determine if your severance package is fair
If you’re terminated without severance pay, remain calm and contact an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. We can determine if this type of dismissal was appropriate in your situation and help you secure proper compensation if it wasn’t.
2. Don’t sign your severance offer immediately
Contrary to popular belief, British Columbians don’t have to accept their employer’s severance offer on the spot.
If you receive a severance offer from your boss, hold off on signing anything until you speak with my firm. The company can’t force you to accept it before leaving your termination meeting or a few days after it was provided to you.
READ MORE: 5 things employees should never do before talking to an employment lawyer
As long as you didn’t sign the offer and return it to your employer, you have two years from the date of your dismissal to pursue full severance pay.
3. Don’t negotiate a new severance package on your own
While it might seem like a good idea to advocate for better compensation on your own, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP will ensure your company doesn’t get the best of you.
This was a mistake that one of our clients, a sales representative in Burnaby, almost made after she was laid off.
Unimpressed with her severance package, the individual sent her employer an email—explaining why she believed she was entitled to three more weeks of pay.
When the company quickly agreed to her request, the sales representative couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong and decided to contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.
After reviewing her situation, we informed her that she was entitled to far more compensation than what was being offered.
Following conversations with our client’s employer, we secured the exact amount of severance pay she was owed—not a dollar less.
READ MORE: Tech exec’s severance victory: Turning termination into triumph
Lost your job? Boss pressuring you to accept a severance offer immediately?
Contact the firm or call 1-855-821-5900 for a consultation with an employment lawyer. Get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.
Lior Samfiru is an employment lawyer and co-founding partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, Canada’s most positively reviewed law firm specializing in employment law and long-term disability claims. He provides legal insight on Canada’s only Employment Law Show on TV and radio.