British Columbia business owners are often busy with a range of priorities such as cash flow and making the next sale. When a promising new employee comes around, it can be tempting to quickly onboard the individual through a “handshake deal” and skip certain...
Trusted Legal Advisors In The Modern Workplace
Employment Law
Employers have control over workplace safety
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | May 31, 2022 | Employment Law
Work-related injuries could happen unexpectedly and could create a stressful situation for the injured worker and their employer. It could contribute missed shifts at work, and could bring production to a halt. In addition to the natural concern for the welfare of...
City of Kamloops employee complaint dismissed
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | May 10, 2022 | Employment Law
The British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal recently heard a complaint from an employee of the City of Kamloops (the "City"). The complainant, an employee who was also the son of a former councillor, claimed that he had been discriminated against on the basis of his...
Can an employee be fired for drug or alcohol addiction?
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | Apr 19, 2022 | Employment Law
After a stressful week at work, many employees enjoy a drink or two. Some may even use recreational drugs on their days off. However, when substance use becomes an addiction, should this affect the security of one’s job? Under British Columbia law, does an employer...
Lawmakers discuss protecting workers from surveillance overreach
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | Apr 15, 2022 | Employment Law
An increase in remote work across Canada has led to new and important discussions on employee rights and protections. Some federal lawmakers have raised discussions on how to protect worker privacy when they are working from home. This is a concern for British...
The Importance of a “Boring” Hiring Strategy
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | Mar 29, 2022 | Employment Law
Consultants and Human Resources Specialists have written volumes of material on the best techniques to identify the top candidates for employment. Some well-known CEOs and others have developed strategies they believe can identify psychological traits in exceptional...
Employees and Independent Contractors
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | Mar 4, 2022 | Employment Law
The differentiation between an independent contractor and an employee is very important at law. Different classifications of workers have different rights and responsibilities, specifically upon without-cause termination of employment. Employees are entitled to...
Be prepared for unanticipated need for paid sick leave
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | Feb 22, 2022 | Employment Law
The federal government passed Bill C-3 (the "Bill"), An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labour Code, on December 17, 2021. The Bill has enhanced paid sick leave and bereavement leave for the federally regulated employees in the private sector under the...
How do human rights laws protect you from retaliation?
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | Feb 17, 2022 | Employment Law
Employees often hold back complaints because they fear retaliation without realizing that human rights legislation protects them. Retaliation as a result of an employee being named in a complaint, participating in an inquiry or giving evidence against a colleague is...
4 factors to consider in a severance offer
On Behalf of Overholt Law LLP | Jan 17, 2022 | Employment Law
The success of a company generally lies in the strength of its operational documents. These documents can range from vendor delivery agreements to various employee handbooks and contracts. A severance offer is a document prepared by the employer that may set out...