Employment-related disputes arise most often when an employee is disciplined or dismissed. However, disputes can also arise in the workplace when an employee challenges policies and procedures, or requests accommodation of a disability.
Tips for Employees
If you have been dismissed or disciplined, there several places you can go to obtain free information and advice. To make the most of these resources, you should be ready to provide the following information:
• Details of your employment history including the duration of employment, regular duties, and the events leading up to the dismissal.
• A copy of your written contract of employment, if any, as well as copies of any workplace policies that you were required to follow.
Needless to say, in a unionized environment your first inquiries should be made to the shop steward. For non-unionized employees, Labour Services can answer questions about dismissal notice periods, statutory entitlements, overtime, holidays, and lodging a complaint at the Employment Standards Board. The Yukon Human Rights Commission can help you sort out whether your dispute with the employer involves any human rights issues. And you can receive general information from the Yukon Public Legal Education Association through its free Law Line telephone service at 668-5297 or toll free at (866) 667-4305.
It is very common for dismissed or disciplined employees to feel that they have been slandered by the employer. Legal actions based on libel and slander must be brought in the Supreme Court of Yukon; these lawsuits are typically lengthy and expensive, as defamation is a very complex area of law.
Tips for Employers
The above links are equally available to employers. It is essential that even small employers ensure they have current information and are carefully advised prior to disciplining or dismissing an employee for cause, and prior to refusing a request for accommodation.