Workplace mistreatment, wage disputes, and wrongful termination can take a serious toll on your financial and emotional well-being. You may feel frustrated, betrayed, or confused about what to do next, and while the idea of filing an employment law claim can be intimidating, you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you’ve been treated unfairly at work and need legal guidance, our Red Deer employment lawyers are here to help. Experienced legal professionals are only a phone call away, and the goal is to help you find a solution even if we’re not it.
Our team at Litco Law is here to explain your rights in plain language and help you pursue a fair resolution. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation, where we’ll provide you with free legal answers and guidance on how to move forward. If you choose to hire us, we never bill by the hour, and you won’t pay us anything while your claim progresses.
Get answers to the following topics and questions:
- Understanding Your Employee Rights in Alberta
- Filing Deadlines for Employment Law Claims in Alberta
- Red Deer Employment Law Claims We Handle
- Legal Options for Resolving Alberta Workplace Claims
- How Our Red Deer Employment Lawyers Support You
- Contact Our Red Deer Employment Lawyers Today
- Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law in Red Deer
Watch The Video
Learn more about what to expect from our free consultation or speak with our legal team to book a free consultation today.
Understanding Your Employee Rights in Alberta
Employment law in Alberta is governed by both provincial and federal legislation, including the Employment Standards Code, which outlines the rules that employers must follow to maintain a safe and fair work environment. For example, things like wages, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leave, and termination. Some workplaces—such as those with union agreements—may have additional rules that affect employment rights in Red Deer.
If you’re unsure how these laws apply to your situation, the team at Litco Law can walk you through your options and help you navigate the claims process.
Filing Deadlines for Employment Law Claims in Alberta
There are deadlines to file an Alberta employment law claim. If you wait too long, you could miss the deadline and lose your chance to receive compensation. In Alberta, the statute of limitations that applies to most employment law claims is two years. This gives you a two-year deadline from the date of the incident to initiate a claim.
It’s important to know that some claims, such as Employment Standards complaints or Human Rights complaints, have shorter timelines. Some claims have limitation dates as short as 90 days after termination. For that reason, speaking with an experienced employment lawyer sooner rather than later can help you avoid missing an important deadline.
Red Deer Employment Law Claims We Handle
Our team has decades of experience helping clients with their employment issues in Red Deer and throughout Alberta. We handle many different types of claims, including:
Wrongful Dismissal
Alberta employees must be given a minimum notice period before being dismissed from their jobs. The length of notice will depend on the person’s length of employment. If your firing is effective immediately, your employer is required to provide termination pay that equals the amount you would have earned if you had worked during your notice period.
You may have been wrongfully dismissed if you:
- Did not receive notice
- Did not receive termination pay
- There was no just cause for termination
Our Red Deer legal team can review your situation and help you find the solution.
Workplace Discrimination and Harassment
Alberta workers have human rights that are legally protected, including race, gender, disability, and religion. If you’re treated differently despite your protected human rights, you may have experienced discrimination in the workplace.
Employees also have the right to work in a safe environment that is free of intimidation, sexual advances, or humiliation. Our employment lawyers in Red Deer can protect and advocate for you if you have been mistreated or felt unsafe while at work.
Wage and Hour Disputes
While it’s disappointing to see that your paycheck does not correctly reflect the hours you worked, it’s even more concerning when your employer refuses to make it right. Our Red Deer lawyers can help with wage and hour disputes and fight for your hard-earned income and fair treatment.
Employment Contract Disputes
Changes to your employment contract without your knowledge or your employer failing to deliver what was agreed upon can result in a breach of contract claim. Before moving forward, our employment lawyers can review your contract to determine if filing a claim is the best option for you.
Constructive Dismissal
When an employer makes significant changes to your job duties, workplace environment, or role without your prior agreement that eventually lead to you quitting, you may have grounds to file a claim for compensation. Constructive dismissal in Red Deer could include situations like:
- A sudden demotion
- Changes to your work location
- The addition of extra responsibilities that force you to resign
Legal Options for Resolving Alberta Workplace Claims
Depending on the type of employment law claim and your specific needs, several resolution options are available, including:
Employment Standards Complaint
You can file an Employment Standards complaint for payment disputes, if you did not receive job-protected leave, or if you were refused other workplace rights. You must file within six months of your last day of employment or while still employed, if the issue is ongoing. An online form is available on this website where you can submit a complaint directly to the Government of Alberta. There’s also a toll-free number provided for questions.
Mediation and Negotiations
You can attempt to resolve your claim through mediation with an Employment Standards officer acting as the mediator. This resolution would require additional investigations.
Civil Action and Court Judgment
If mediation does not resolve the dispute, the claim will escalate to the next level. After a formal investigation, the employer may be ordered to pay the money owed. If they do not pay within 21 days, the matter can be filed as a judgment of the Court.
Human Rights Act Complaint
You can file a discrimination complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission within one year of the workplace incident. Resolutions to these complaints may include dismissal of the complaint, mediation, or a Tribunal hearing.
When complaints do not reach a fair resolution, you may also be eligible to file a civil claim to seek compensation through the court system. While this process can be challenging, you are not alone. If you’re unsure which route makes sense for your situation, our employment lawyers can explain your options and guide you through each step.
How Our Red Deer Employment Lawyers Support You
Using our knowledge of Alberta employment law and our experience in the field, our Red Deer lawyers balance the power between our clients and employers who are not acting in good faith. As Alberta’s trusted, family-owned law firm, we offer a client experience centered on communication, compassion, and consistent support from Lawyers You’ll Love.
We are proud to serve the Red Deer community, offering an award-winning client experience and legal services that include:
- A convenient Red Deer office, with a strong local presence across Alberta
- Over 50 years of helping Albertans stand up for justice
- A team-based approach that provides exceptional support and advocacy
- Transparent legal fees with no hourly billing
- Regular updates on your claim every 30 days or less, and a 24-hour response time for messages and questions
Hear From Our Litco Law Clients
Our testimonials and reviews reflect the dedication and passion we have when fighting for fairness on behalf of our clients:
- “Very reassuring from the first meeting. Everything went according to plan. I was in the loop the entire time. No glitches, smooth as silk. Very little effort on my part for a very favourable outcome.” – C.S.
- “Excellent company, would highly recommend them. Kept me informed regarding my claim. Would highly recommend this firm.” – Ray
- “Great experience working with Litco Law. They were extremely helpful and diligent in working towards the outcome. The process was very complicated and I am glad I chose to have them on my side. I would highly recommend the team at Litco Law.” – Cameron M.
Meaningful Results for Our Clients
Founded in 1976, our team has helped thousands of clients get the legal support they need. We carefully assess your losses, so we can pursue the full value of compensation available for workplace mistreatment or employment disputes.
We’ll Help You Find the Solution
Whether you need a Red Deer wrongful termination lawyer, workplace harassment lawyer, unpaid wages lawyer, or other type of employment lawyer, our team can assist. We will help you find the solution, even if we’re not it.
Contact Our Red Deer Employment Lawyers Today
We understand how stressful it is to deal with issues like workplace harassment, employer mistreatment, or wrongful dismissal. That’s why we go the extra mile to give you a better legal experience.
When you work with our team, we don’t get paid until and unless your claim is resolved. Call (403) 273-8580 or contact us online for free legal answers from our team. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you take the next step with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law in Red Deer
If you’re facing uncertainty about your employment law rights, see answers to some of the most common questions our Alberta employment lawyers receive below. To get answers for your particular situation, reach out to our team anytime.
What Should I Do if I’m Experiencing Workplace Discrimination?
Report discrimination to your company’s internal human resources department. You can also file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission and speak with a lawyer to discuss your other options.
Can I Be Legally Terminated for Taking Medical or Maternity Leave?
No. In Alberta, your employer cannot dismiss you for taking medical or maternity leave or any other job-protected leave.
How Do I Know if My Employer Is Violating Alberta Labour Laws?
Because labour laws are complex, it’s a good idea to consider speaking with an experienced employment lawyer. Our team offers free consultations with full confidentiality to help you determine if your employer has violated any employment laws.
Can I Negotiate a Severance Package Without a Lawyer?
You shouldn’t feel pressured to sign off on a severance package that is not in your best interest. Severance packages often contain complex wording that can be difficult to interpret without the assistance of a legal professional. Agreeing to a severance package without understanding the details could mean leaving compensation on the table. We recommend consulting an employment lawyer to review the package or negotiate a better deal before making a final decision.
