What’s Going On At Simons?

Simons, the Quebec-based fashion retailer, is facing scrutiny after multiple employees at its newly opened Eaton Centre store were allegedly fired just days before Black Friday — a move former staff describe as abrupt, unexplained, and demoralizing.

• Two former employees told NOW Toronto they were let go before the end of their probation, with little more than the phrase “unsuccessful probation period” as explanation.
• The layoffs came despite assurances of continued improvement and verbal praise from managers following initial performance reviews.
• The dismissals reportedly occurred without conducting the promised 60- or 90-day reviews, leading affected staff to question the integrity of the probation process.

Let go during your Probation Period? You may still be entitled to severance pay in Ontario. Read: Probation Period in Ontario: What Employees Need to Know

Allegations of a Toxic Work Environment

Beyond the layoffs themselves, former workers describe a workplace culture marked by passive-aggressive management, public reprimands, and microaggressions — conditions that may raise questions about workplace harassment under Ontario law.

• One employee, Shana, recalled being yelled at in front of customers and criticized behind closed doors with what she described as an aggressive and condescending tone.
• Krista, another ex-staff member, said a manager’s word choices made her uncomfortable, including referring to her as “girl” in a way she found...

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