The relationship between employers and employees has always been a minefield. Seemingly not even the most peaceable workplaces are immune to disputes—whether as a result of termination or unpaid overtime, onsite injury or perceived discrimination.
But since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a “huge uptick” in the number and severity of conflicts requiring legal intervention, says Ben Tarnow, Associate Counsel atTaylor & Blair LLP.
Indeed, media outlets from CBC to Bloomberg Law have reported in the past year that the new realities of employment—from long-term remote work and vaccine mandates to pandemic-enforced downsizing and closures—have resulted in a flood of inquiries from employers and employees alike wanting to know about their rights and legal recourse.
Unprecedented legal issues for employers and employees
Employment law has always been a mystery to the majority, says Tarnow. “Some people have a written employment agreement that sets out the terms and conditions of their employment. But many others don’t, so they’re unaware of what their rights and obligations are in the workplace—and that goes for both sides of the relationship.”
Consequently, employer/employee disputes have long been a cornerstone of Taylor & Blair LLP’s practice.
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