Course Code: PLBA 4503
Academic Year: 2024-2025
This course examines the statutory requirements and common law principles applying to the employment relationship. The course covers the minimum standards of the Employment Standards Act, including overtime, statutory leaves and entitlements on the termination of employment. The human rights issues impacting the hiring, promotion and dismissal of employees as well as the employer's duty to accommodate employee disabilities receive in-depth treatment. Students analyze the development of common law principles governing notice periods and wrongful dismissal claims, constructive dismissal, unjust dismissal and Wallace-type damages. The interaction between statutory tribunals and the court process in dealing with employment disputes is critically assessed. In the labour context, the course examines the collective bargaining regime, including the role of the trade union, the scope of collective agreements and the grievance process. Workplace safety issues are considered in the context of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and privacy issues are analyzed under PIPEDA.