Calgary Employment Lawyers

Getz Collins and Associates provides practical employment law advice and representation to non-unionized employers and employees in Calgary and throughout Alberta. Our Calgary employment lawyers assist with workplace disputes and employment matters including wrongful and constructive dismissal, severance packages, employment agreements, workplace policies, human rights issues, employment standards, and workplace investigations.

Whether you are an employee dealing with a termination or workplace issue, or an employer looking to manage a difficult employment matter or reduce future risk, our team can help you understand your rights, obligations, and options.

Employment Lawyers for Calgary Employees

Workplace issues can have significant financial and personal consequences. Our employment law team provides practical advice and skilled advocacy to non-unionized employees in Calgary and throughout Alberta. We help employees understand their rights and options while making efforts to resolve disputes amicably whenever possible.

Getz Collins and Associates assists employees with a wide range of employment law matters, including:

• Constructive dismissal – guidance where significant changes to the terms or conditions of employment may amount to constructive dismissal;
• Employment standards – advice regarding employment standards rights and obligations;
• Human rights in the workplace – assistance with workplace discrimination, accommodation, harassment, and other human rights concerns;
• Parental and maternity leaves – guidance regarding job-protected leaves and related employment rights;
• Severance package reviews – review of termination and severance packages to help employees understand their potential entitlements before accepting an offer;
• Workplace health and safety – advice regarding employee rights and obligations relating to workplace health and safety;
• Wrongful dismissal – advice for employees who have been terminated without adequate notice or compensation;
• Employment contract reviews; and
• Sexual harassment in the workplace.

Learn more about our services for employees.

Employment Lawyers for Calgary Employers

Workplace disputes and employment issues can create legal, financial, and operational risks for a business. Getting qualified legal advice early can help employers make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and address workplace problems before they escalate.

Our Calgary employment lawyers advise non-unionized employers on both day-to-day employment matters and more complex workplace disputes. Engaging employment counsel proactively can also help business owners and employers develop policies and practices that support healthy work environments and reduce the risk of future issues.

Getz Collins and Associates assists employers with:

• Independent contractors vs. employees – advice regarding worker classification and the legal implications of employee, dependent contractor, and independent contractor relationships;
• Performance Improvement Plans – guidance on managing employee performance and implementing appropriate performance improvement processes;
• Workplace policies and procedures – assistance developing and reviewing workplace policies and procedures;
• Averaging arrangements;
• Departure of employees;
• Employer audits;
• Remote work and time theft;
• Statutory holidays and pay;
• Valid resignations and constructive dismissal;
• Wages and hours; and
• Wrongful dismissal and just cause termination.

Learn more about our services for employers.

How Our Employment Lawyers Can Help

Every employment matter is different. Our lawyers take the time to understand the circumstances, review the relevant employment documents, and explain the legal and practical options available.

Depending on the matter, our employment lawyers can assist with reviewing employment agreements, termination letters, severance offers, workplace policies, and other relevant documentation; advising on rights and obligations under Alberta employment law; negotiating with employees or employers; and providing representation when a dispute requires more formal resolution.

Our goal is to provide clear, practical advice so clients can make informed decisions about how to proceed.

Why Choose Getz Collins and Associates for Employment Law?

Getz Collins and Associates has established lasting relationships with individual, corporate, and institutional clients across Alberta. Clients benefit from our employment law team’s combined decades of knowledge and robust advocacy skills.

Because we advise both employees and employers, our team understands the considerations and challenges that can arise on both sides of the employment relationship. We focus on practical and cost-effective solutions where possible while providing strong representation when disputes cannot be resolved informally.

With offices in Calgary and Strathmore, Getz Collins and Associates combines a community focus with big-firm results while providing legal services to clients throughout Alberta.

Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law

When should I contact an employment lawyer?

Employees may benefit from legal advice after being dismissed, before signing a severance package, when significant changes are made to their employment, or when dealing with discrimination, harassment, disciplinary action, or another workplace dispute.

Employers may seek advice before terminating an employee, responding to a workplace complaint, drafting an employment agreement, implementing workplace policies, or making other significant employment decisions. Getting advice early can help both employees and employers understand their rights, obligations, and options.

What is the difference between wrongful dismissal and constructive dismissal?

Wrongful dismissal generally occurs when an employee is terminated without receiving the notice or compensation to which they are legally entitled. Constructive dismissal may occur when an employer makes a significant unilateral change to an employee’s terms or conditions of employment that effectively ends the existing employment relationship. Whether a dismissal is wrongful or constructive depends on the circumstances.

How much severance am I entitled to in Alberta?

There is no single severance amount that applies to every employee. Potential entitlements can depend on factors including the employment agreement, length of service, age, position, compensation, and the circumstances surrounding the termination. An employment lawyer can review a severance offer and advise on an employee’s potential entitlements.

Should I sign a severance package immediately?

Employees should make sure they understand a severance package and its legal implications before signing it. Termination packages may include releases or other provisions affecting an employee’s rights. If you are unsure whether an offer is appropriate, an employment lawyer can review the package and explain your options before you accept it.

Can my employer terminate me without cause?

Employers can generally terminate non-unionized employees without cause provided the termination complies with applicable legal requirements, including any required notice or compensation. The employee’s employment agreement and the circumstances of the termination can affect what is required.

What should I do if I believe I have been wrongfully dismissed?

Keep copies of your employment agreement, termination letter, severance offer, pay information, and other relevant workplace correspondence. Before signing a release or accepting a termination package, consider obtaining legal advice about the circumstances of the dismissal and your potential entitlements.

Can independent contractors have employment law rights?

A worker’s legal status does not necessarily depend solely on what their contract calls them. Depending on the circumstances of the working relationship, someone described as an independent contractor may be considered an employee or dependent contractor. Classification can affect the rights and obligations of both the worker and the organization.

What workplace issues can an employment lawyer help with?

Employment lawyers can assist with matters including wrongful and constructive dismissal, severance packages, employment agreements, workplace policies, employee discipline and performance management, workplace investigations, discrimination and human rights concerns, workplace health and safety issues, and employment standards matters.

Do you represent both employers and employees?

Yes. Getz Collins and Associates provides employment law services to both non-unionized employers and employees. Working with both sides of the employment relationship gives our lawyers insight into the considerations and challenges that can arise in workplace disputes.

Do your Calgary employment lawyers assist clients elsewhere in Alberta?

Yes. Our employment lawyers assist employers and employees in Calgary and other communities throughout Alberta.

Speak With a Calgary Employment Lawyer

Whether you are an employee facing a dismissal, severance offer, or workplace dispute, or an employer looking for advice about an employment issue, Getz Collins and Associates can help you understand your options and determine an appropriate path forward.

To schedule a confidential consultation with a member of our Calgary employment law team, call 587-391-5600 or contact us online.