Alberta employment laws are meant to protect employees from mistreatment. Unfortunately, workplace disputes, harassment, and wrongful dismissals still happen. If you’re feeling stressed, intimidated, or confused about your workplace situation, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Our Lethbridge employment lawyers have witnessed firsthand how these issues impact our clients and their families, both financially and emotionally, and are ready to help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our legal team for clear answers on your workplace rights and legal options. Know Your Rights Under Employment Law in Alberta
Employment law in Alberta is governed by both provincial and federal legislation. The Employment Standards Code and Canada Labour Code outline the minimum standards that employers must follow to maintain a fair and safe workplace in Alberta regarding:
- Job-protected leaves
- Wage and overtime payments
- Vacations and holidays
- Layoffs and recalls
- Termination of employment
Some industries or unionized workplaces have additional rules (or exemptions) that may apply to your job. When you work with a lawyer who understands these workplace laws and employee rights in Alberta, you’re empowered by their knowledge and experience, and better protected from unfair treatment in the workplace.
Get answers to the following topics and questions:
- Types of Lethbridge Employment Law Claims We Can Assist With
- Your Legal Options After a Lethbridge Employment Dispute
- How Long Do I Have to File an Employment Law Claim in Lethbridge?
- How Our Lethbridge Employment Lawyers Can Help With Your Claim
- Contact Our Lethbridge Employment Lawyers Today
- Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law in Lethbridge
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Types of Lethbridge Employment Law Claims We Can Assist With
From the start of your claim to its resolution, Litco Law will be by your side every step of the way. Our lawyers have experience with many different types of employment law claims in Lethbridge and across Alberta, including:
Wrongful Dismissal
In Alberta, employers must provide a minimum notice period before letting an employee go or pay termination pay equivalent to the wages the employee would have earned during that time. The exception to this is if there is a qualifying reason to fire you, such as:
- Theft or fraud
- Violence or harassment
- Serious misconduct
- Dishonesty
Our Lethbridge lawyers can help you file a claim if you were dismissed without receiving proper notice, termination pay, or just cause for dismissal.
Workplace Discrimination and Harassment
Discrimination in the workplace can include any unfair treatment or behaviour based on a protected characteristic, including race, age, gender, and family status. You have the right to work in a safe environment free from unwanted or unwelcome verbal or physical conduct.
If you’re experiencing discrimination or harassment at work, you may have grounds to file a claim for compensation. Our lawyers in Lethbridge are ready to take action and advocate for your rights.
Wage and Hour Disputes
Too many hard-working Albertans are not given the wages and overtime pay they deserve. When an employer disputes your hours or refuses to pay for the hours you worked, our Lethbridge legal team will stand up to employers who may not be acting in good faith and demand what is owed to you.
Employment Contract Disputes
Employment contract disputes can happen when your employer fails to uphold their side of the agreement or makes changes to the contract without your knowledge. Our team can review your situation and help you decide how to move forward. In some cases, you can file an employment law claim in Alberta.
Constructive Dismissal
Sometimes, an employer will suddenly change your duties, job location, wages, or work environment without your agreement in such a way that you feel forced to quit. This is considered constructive dismissal, which is an unlawful practice. Speak with our team to learn more about constructive dismissal in Lethbridge and if it applies to your situation.
Your Legal Options After a Lethbridge Employment Dispute
If you’re unsure how to move forward after an employment dispute, there are several options available depending on your situation.
Filing an Employment Standards Complaint
When you’re denied your workplace rights, you can file an Employment Standards complaint within six months of your last day of employment or while you are still employed. After completing the online form and submitting it to the Government of Alberta, possible outcomes include:
- Mediation: An Employment Standards officer can act as a mediator between you and your employer to reach a mutual agreement and requires no further investigation.
- Enforcement action: After a formal complaint investigation, the Director of Employment Standards can issue an order to your employer to pay the money owed to you.
- Court Judgment: If your employer fails to comply with the order within 21 days, it can escalate to a court judgment. Employment Standards has judgment collections options to ensure the employer pays.
Human Rights Act Complaint
If your human rights were violated at work, you can file a discrimination complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission. You only have one year from the date of the incident to file your complaint, so it’s vital to act quickly. Your complaint will be resolved with either its dismissal, a mediation agreement, or a Tribunal hearing.
Civil Litigation
When other options do not reach a fair resolution, consider speaking with a legal professional about filing a civil claim in court for your workplace dispute. You can seek compensation for unpaid wages, contract breaches, wrongful termination, and other employment law issues. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File an Employment Law Claim in Lethbridge?
The deadline to file an employment law claim in Alberta civil court is two years from the date of the incident, such as receiving notice of your termination. Waiting too long to take action could mean missing your chance to hold your employer accountable. For free legal answers, schedule a no-obligation consultation to speak with our team and let us help you navigate the employment claims process and ensure everything is filed on time.
How Our Lethbridge Employment Lawyers Can Help With Your Claim
Employment law claims can be challenging without guidance from a legal professional. If you need assistance with an employment law issue, our team has experience with these claims and will go the extra mile to ensure you find a solution.
Litco Law aims to create an exceptional client experience while providing award-winning legal services. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Local presence in Lethbridge and across Alberta
- Over 50 years of serving Albertans
- Regular updates on your claim every 30 days or less, and a 24-hour response time for messages and questions
- A team-based approach, with a dedicated group assigned to you
If you choose to pursue an employment claim with us, there is no cost to get started, and you don’t pay us anything while your claim is ongoing.. We also cover qualifying expenses during the claims process to help ease the financial impact of your workplace dispute.
What Our Litco Law Clients Have to Say
Our team is proud to provide our Lethbridge clients with strong legal advocacy and compassionate support. Many of our previous clients have shared their testimonials and experience working with our team. Here are just a few examples:
Claim Results That Matter
Serving Alberta since 1976, we have helped countless clients reach meaningful outcomes for their employment law claims. While nothing can undo what happened, we can fight back against unfair workplace treatment and claim the compensation that can help you move forward.
Whether you need a Lethbridge wrongful termination lawyer, workplace harassment lawyer, unpaid wages lawyer, or other employment lawyer, your first step is to contact our solutions team for free legal answers.
Contact Our Lethbridge Employment Lawyers Today
There’s a reason why we’re known as Lawyers You’ll Love. We prioritize the client experience by fostering trust, maintaining open communication, and providing ongoing support when you need it most. If you’re having a difficult time at work due to harassment, discrimination, wage disputes, or other workplace issues, we’re only a phone call away.
When you work with Litco Law, we don’t get paid until and unless we resolve your claim.. Call (403) 273-8580 or contact us online for free legal answers from our experienced team. We offer free consultations over the phone, via virtual meeting, or at our Lethbridge office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law in Lethbridge
If you’re facing uncertainty about your employment law claim, our team is here to answer any questions you may have. Below, we’ve outlined some of the questions we hear most often.
What Should I Do if I Am Experiencing Workplace Discrimination?
While workplace discrimination should be reported to your company’s human resources department, you can also file an Alberta Human Rights Commission complaint and speak with an employment lawyer to discuss other options.
Can I Be Legally Terminated for Taking Medical or Parental Leave?
No, your employer cannot fire you for taking medical, parental, or maternity leave. A Lethbridge wrongful termination lawyer can help if you believe you were terminated for taking a job-protected leave.
How Do I Know if My Employer Is Violating Alberta Labour Laws?
If you suspect your Lethbridge employer is violating Alberta labour laws, contact Litco Law for a free consultation. We will listen to your situation and help evaluate whether your employer has failed to uphold the law.
Can I Negotiate a Severance Package Without a Lawyer?
It can be challenging to accurately interpret the terms of a severance package, which often include complex language. If you feel overwhelmed or pressured to sign off on a severance package that may not represent the full scope of benefits available to you, we recommend speaking with an employment lawyer to review the package before making a final decision.
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