If you’re searching for an employment lawyer in Windsor, you’re likely dealing with a stressful situation at work. Maybe you were let go, pushed to resign, denied severance, or struggling with a toxic environment. Many people aren’t sure what their rights are — or whether they should speak with a lawyer.
Here’s the good news: Ontario law provides strong protections for non-unionized employees. Once you understand those rights, you can make the right next step for your situation.
Below is exactly what you need to know before you sign anything, quit your job, or accept what your employer tells you.
You may be owed much more severance than you’re offered
If you were fired, laid off, or “restructured,” your employer must provide severance. Most Windsor employees are actually owed far more than the amount listed in their termination package.
Severance pay in Ontario can be up to 24 months, depending on:
- Your age
- Your length of service
- Your position
- How long it may take you to find similar work in Windsor or Essex County
If you’ve been let go, do not sign your package before getting legal advice. Once you sign, you can’t negotiate.
READ MORE: Law firm’s tool helps employees figure out how much severance they’re owed if fired
If your job has changed significantly, you may have been constructively dismissed
Many people in Windsor search for an employment lawyer because their employer reduced their hours, cut their pay, changed their shift, demoted them, or moved them to a different role or location.
These changes can amount to a constructive dismissal in Ontario, meaning you may be legally entitled to a full severance package. Don’t sign — speak to a lawyer first so you don’t lose your rights.
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READ MORE: Boss cut your pay in Ontario? 3 things you must do
Harassment and a toxic workplace are never “just part of the job”
Your employer must act when you report harassment or bullying. If they ignore the problem or fail to protect you, you may have legal options, including the ability to leave with severance.
Signs of a toxic workplace include ongoing disrespect, a supervisor singling you out, bullying by coworkers, discrimination, and retaliation for raising concerns.
You don’t have to tolerate a poisoned work environment.
You can’t be fired for taking medical leave
If your doctor has recommended you take time off, your job is legally protected. An employer can’t:
- Fire you because of your medical condition
- Pressure you to return early
- Reject your doctor’s notes
- Change your job when you come back
If any of this has happened, an employment lawyer in Windsor can help you protect your job and your compensation.
Many resignations in Windsor aren’t real resignations
A lot of Windsor employees contact us after being pushed to quit. Maybe a manager told them it was “better if they resigned,” or that they had “no choice.”
In Ontario, a resignation must be voluntary. If you quit because of pressure, harassment, or sudden changes to your job, it may be treated as a termination — meaning you could be owed severance.
READ MORE: Fired in Ontario after refusing to resign? 4 things employees must do
Before you contact the Ministry of Labour, get legal advice
This is critical.
If you file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour about severance, you usually give up your right to full severance under common law. The Ministry can only award a small fraction of what you’re actually owed.
Speak with an employment lawyer first to understand the best option for your situation.
When should you contact an employment lawyer in Windsor?
Here are the most common reasons people reach out:
- You were fired or laid off
- You were offered a severance package
- Your job duties changed without your agreement
- You’re experiencing harassment
- You’re being pushed to resign
- You were fired while on medical leave
- You’re unsure whether to sign a contract or termination letter
Getting advice early helps you avoid mistakes that can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
How our firm helps Windsor employees
At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we assist non-unionized employees across Windsor and Essex County. We review severance packages, resolve toxic workplace issues, and help workers understand their rights — often without needing to go to court.
Most people simply need clarity and a plan. A quick conversation can make the difference between walking away with very little or receiving the full compensation the law says you’re entitled to.
If you’ve been fired, pressured to resign, denied fair severance, or mistreated at work, don’t guess at your rights. Windsor employees have strong legal protections — you just need the right guidance.
Talking to an employment lawyer in Windsor is the simplest way to get answers and make sure you’re treated fairly.
Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP or call 1-855-821-5900 for a consultation. We help non-unionized employees across Windsor and Essex County get the severance and workplace protections they’re legally owed. Lior Samfiru, employment lawyer and co-founding partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, is the voice behind Canada’s Employment Law Show on TV, radio, and online.