job reclassification change Federally Regulated Employee severance pay
If you work in a federally regulated industry or for a federally regulated company, your job and labour rights are governed by the Canada Labour Code (CLC). These types of workers make up approximately six per cent of all Canadian employees. On an episode of the Employment Law Show, employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains how a change in the CLC’s definition of a federally regulated employee could affect your right to severance pay.
As a rule of thumb, a non-unionized employee may be terminated by an employer with notice or payment in lieu equal to the amount of earnings they would have earned during the period of notice, assuming that no serious misconduct was alleged. However, these termination entitlements are not as robust as the rights of workers protected by a union.
As of February 1, 2024, changes to the CLC will require federally regulated private sector employers to provide their affected employees with greater termination entitlements when they are dismissed without cause. These new requirements are in addition to the existing requirement for federally regulated private sector employers to provide two weeks of Federally Regulated Employee severance pay for each year of continuous service and the CLC’s other termination entitlements.

Can job reclassification change Federally Regulated Employee severance pay?
When it comes to severance packages, many employees are confused about what they might be entitled to upon being fired from their jobs. The rule of thumb that suggests one month’s notice or pay for each year of service is a good starting point, but there are many variables that can change these amounts.
telecommunication employee severance pay can often find themselves working in highly specialized fields, such as science and technology or financial services. They can also be highly paid. Unlike provincially regulated employees, who might be at the mercy of their local labour laws, federally regulated employees are often protected under the CLC and have the option to sue for unjust dismissal in the federal court.
In a federally regulated environment, it can be difficult to know if you are a federally regulated employee. In order to determine this, you must ask your employer or check online resources. A federally regulated worker works in the following industries and areas:
Outplacement services can be particularly valuable in a competitive job market or for older employees who may face additional challenges in securing new positions. By investing in such services, banks not only demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of their departing employees but also foster goodwill and a positive reputation, both internally among remaining employees and externally with the general public.
Generally, a non-unionized federally regulated employee who is being laid off will have much more protection than a provincially regulated worker. As a result, federally regulated workers should always consult an experienced employment lawyer before agreeing to accept a significant change in their workplace. A change in pay, position or title, responsibilities, schedule or any other substantial part of a person’s job could constitute a constructive dismissal – and if this happens, an employee may be owed a severance package and additional damages. For more information about your rights, contact a Toronto employment lawyer. You can speak with a trusted legal professional about your concerns at any time, including during your severance negotiation process.
