Bedford Wrongful Termination Lawyers

In Nova Scotia, most workers are protected by the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Code. This code outlines laws that employers must follow when dismissing employees. Employers who fail to adhere to the law when firing someone may be held liable for wrongful termination, which may result in monetary compensation for the employee who was wrongfully terminated. 

The experienced and knowledgeable wrongful termination lawyers at NOVA Injury Law are here to help you through the process of protecting your rights and getting the justice you deserve.

What Laws Govern Employee Terminations?

Most non-unionized workers in Nova Scotia are covered under the provincial code, which is enforced by the Labour Standards Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration. Some Bedford employees, however, work in federally regulated industries that come under rules enforced by the Labour Program of Employment and Social Development Canada. Each non-unionized employee has an individual contract with the employer, and, in most cases, will have to deal individually with the employer in cases of wrongful termination, whether under provincial or federal protections.

Union workers, however, have a collective bargaining agreement with the employer that usually outlines clear grievance procedures that must be followed, and during which the union will represent the employee. Should the case need to progress to the Nova Scotia Labour Relations Board, the union will often provide a lawyer to represent the employee.  

Why Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer?

Labour laws are complex, and companies often have teams of corporate lawyers to fight any legal challenges. Non-unionized employees without a skilled and competent wrongful termination lawyer are left to navigate the labyrinth of regulations and bureaucracy on their own to pursue their wrongful termination claim. An experienced wrongful termination lawyer, however, can assist in all steps of your claim of unjust dismissal, from negotiating with the employer to arbitration or mediation, and all the way to a court trial if necessary. 

Do I Need My Own Lawyer if I am in a Union?

While some union contracts expressly forbid members from securing separate legal counsel, there are some cases in which it is possible. You can, for example, get written permission from the union to seek outside counsel. Otherwise, you may hire independent counsel to sue the union itself if you feel that it has violated S. 75 of the Ontario Labour Relations Act, which requires unions to act in a manner that is not “arbitrary, discriminatory, or in bad faith.” If your union has not represented you properly in your wrongful termination case, an independent wrongful termination lawyer can help you hold them accountable for that failure. Finally, if the employer has violated your human rights, you are entitled to hire outside counsel, even if your union contract forbids it. 

It is important to note that even if your contract does not allow you to hire outside counsel to represent you in a wrongful termination case and none of the above exceptions apply, you are still allowed to consult with an outside lawyer in order to fully understand your rights and options.

Call Our Bedford Wrongful Termination Lawyers Today

Getting fired from a job that supports you and your family is extremely stressful under any circumstances. Getting fired in a way that is unfair and violates the law is even more stressful. If it happens, you are likely to be too busy recovering and looking for other employment to take on a lengthy and complex legal battle to hold your former employer accountable. The skilled and experienced wrongful termination lawyers at NOVA Injury Law are here to take that burden off your shoulders. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on rebuilding your life after an unjust dismissal.

Call NOVA Injury Law today at (902) 700-2798 for a free consultation.