PEI Wrongful Termination Lawyers
Legal Support for Wrongful Termination Claims in Prince Edward Island
If you are a PEI resident, you have legal rights that protect you against wrongful termination. For example, employees are protected against wrongful dismissal where they are not given proper notice or adequate pay in place of notice. It should also be stated that even if an employer claims they have just cause, they must still prove their claims if you pursue legal action.
If you believe that you have been wrongfully terminated, it is in your best interest to hire a lawyer who has in-depth experience handling employment and labour law disputes. Only a qualified lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities associated with wrongful termination and ensure your rights are protected. Contact NOVA Injury Law today to schedule a free case evaluation, and we will determine your legal options.
What Do I Need to Know About Employment Law in PEI?
PEI employment and labour law has been enacted to protect employees from unfair practices carried out by employers. Additionally, under the law, workers employed by municipalities are also governed by provincial legislation, including the Employment Standards Act, which aims to protect the rights of all workers in PEI.
Workplace Rights and Violations
PEI employees have several labour and employment rights guaranteed under the law, some of which include:
- Employees must be paid at least minimum wage
- Generally, most employees are entitled to overtime pay for hours performed beyond the standard 48-hour workweek
- Employees are entitled to earn vacation time and pay based on the length of their employment
- Employees are entitled to eight paid holidays as outlined under provincial law
- Employees may take time off due to sickness, the birth of a child, or other family or personal matters
- Employers must provide a safe and hazard-free workplace
- Employers may not discriminate against employees based on personal traits such as race, religion, sex, disability, national origin, or sexual orientation, to name a few
- Employers must provide a minimum notice or pay instead of notice when terminating an employee based on the length of employment
- Employees who have been employed for at least 12 consecutive months are entitled to severance pay upon termination
Any violation of these rights can be sufficient grounds to pursue legal action against an employer, particularly if it has been used to terminate an employee wrongfully.
How Do Employment and Labour Laws Apply to Terminations in PEI?
PEI employment and labour laws stipulate that employers must provide written notice or adequate pay in lieu of notice when dismissing an employee for just cause. The required notice period that must be adhered to depends on the employee’s length of employment.
For example, if an employee has less than three years of service, they must be given two weeks’ written notice regarding their termination. Other notice periods include:
- 3 to 10 years of service: One week’s notice for each year of employment
- 10 to 15 years of service: At least 6 weeks’ written notice
- 15 or more years of service: At least 8 weeks’ written notice
Suppose an employer chooses not to provide the required written notice. In that case, they are legally obligated to “pay in lieu of notice,” meaning they must pay the employee their regular wages for the corresponding period. Final payment of wages must be made by the next regular payday following the employee’s termination.
Call Our PEI Wrongful Termination Lawyers Today
If you are the victim of wrongful termination, it is essential to know that you have legal options. NOVA Injury Law is a PEI law firm dedicated to helping employees fight for their rights. Our skilled legal team has comprehensive experience in obtaining favorable client outcomes and will work diligently to ensure your voice is heard. Contact our law office at 1-800-262-8104 so we can start to help.
