When your employment ends, especially after years of loyalty and solid performance, it’s easy to feel like the rug’s been pulled out from under you. You’re left with questions, worry, and sometimes even a sense of betrayal.
In Alberta, workers have legal rights under the Employment Standards Code, but many don’t know what those rights actually are, or how they apply when you’ve been let go.
That’s where it helps to speak with an experienced employment lawyer. You don’t need to figure this out alone, and you don’t have to settle for less than what you’re entitled to.
What the Employment Standards Code Actually Covers
The Code sets the minimum legal rules for how employers must treat employees. It covers things like hours of work, overtime, vacation pay, termination notice, and severance pay. But these are just the minimums.
If you’ve recently lost your job, the most relevant parts are about termination, specifically, how much notice (or pay in lieu) you should receive, and when you must be paid.
Here’s the basic breakdown:
- After 2 years of employment, you’re entitled to at least 2 weeks’ notice or pay
- After 4 years: 4 weeks
- After 6 years: 6 weeks, and so on
But keep in mind: this is only the floor. Not the ceiling.
Most people with a long work history, senior responsibilities, or specialized roles are owed more under common law, and that’s where a wrongful dismissal lawyer can help.
What Common Law Offers (and Why It Matters)
Here’s what surprises many people: while the Employment Standards Code sets the minimum, courts often award significantly more under common law.
If you’ve been let go without cause, you may be entitled to several months of severance, not just a few weeks. The exact amount depends on your age, length of service, position, and how long it might take you to find similar work.
The key is this: if your employer offered you only what’s required under the Code and called it a “full package,” it’s worth getting a second opinion. A qualified employment lawyer can review your documents and tell you, plain and simple, if the offer is fair.
Final Pay, Vacation, and Your Last Paycheque
In Alberta, your employer must pay out any wages owed, including unused vacation time, within 10 days of your last day, or within 31 calendar days after the last day of employment.
If that didn’t happen, or you’re chasing down money you know you earned, that’s not just frustrating, it may be illegal.
When to Get Legal Advice
If you were laid off, terminated without warning, or handed a severance agreement that feels rushed or unfair, that’s the time to talk to someone. It doesn’t mean you’re suing your employer; it means you’re protecting yourself.
A good employment lawyer won’t push you into conflict. They’ll tell you where you stand, help you understand your rights, and make sure you don’t leave money or your dignity on the table.
Before You Sign Anything, Know This
Once you sign a severance package, it’s very hard to go back. Many people sign without realizing they had a stronger claim or could have negotiated a better deal.
You’ve worked too hard to walk away without understanding what you’re actually owed.
Let’s Talk
If your employment has recently ended and you’re not sure if your rights were respected under Alberta’s Employment Standards Code, we’re here to help.
At JSB Law, our Calgary employment lawyers work with employees. We’ll listen to your story, review your documents, and give you honest, practical advice about what to do next.
Book a confidential consultation today. We’ll make sure you leave this chapter behind with what you deserve, and a clear plan for what comes next.
