The way we work has changed. For many in Calgary, remote work became the norm almost overnight, and in many cases, it worked well. But now that some employers are calling people back to the office, or making unexpected changes to remote arrangements, employees are left with questions they didn’t think they’d need to ask.
Can my employer force me back into the office? Was my remote work setup protected? If I’ve been let go, did they follow the law?
These aren’t just practical concerns, they’re legal ones. And if your job recently ended or changed without warning, it may be time to speak with an employment lawyer.
Remote Work Isn’t a Loophole—Your Rights Still Apply
Let’s clear up a common misconception. Just because you worked from home doesn’t mean your employment rights disappeared. Alberta’s Employment Standards Code still applies, so do common law protections.
If you were terminated, you’re still entitled to proper notice or severance. If your pay was cut or your responsibilities shifted significantly, those changes might not be legal, especially if they happened without your consent. A wrongful dismissal lawyer can help you understand whether what happened was lawful or if your employer crossed a line.
What If My Remote Work Agreement Was Informal?
Many remote work arrangements weren’t formalized in contracts. Maybe it was a verbal agreement, or maybe it just became the routine over time. That doesn’t necessarily weaken your position.
In some cases, courts in Alberta will recognize “implied terms” in an employment relationship, patterns and expectations that developed over time and were never disputed. If you worked remotely for years, and your employer suddenly demands a full return to the office without negotiation, that could be seen as a fundamental change to your working conditions.
If you refuse and are terminated, it may not be resignation, it may be constructive dismissal. That’s something a qualified employment lawyer should review with you.
How Constructive Dismissal Applies to Remote Workers
Constructive dismissal is when an employer makes a significant, unilateral change to your job. With remote workers, that might include:
- Suddenly requiring in-person work after years of remote flexibility
- Cutting salary, hours, or seniority without discussion
- Reassigning duties in a way that undermines your role or status
If changes like these were forced on you and led to your resignation, or if you were let go because you questioned them, it may not be a clean break. You might have a claim for damages or a stronger severance package than you were offered.
What You Should Know About Termination and Severance
Even in remote roles, Alberta employers have a legal duty to provide notice or pay in lieu, when ending employment without cause. The Employment Standards Code sets the minimum, but common law often entitles long-serving, skilled employees to far more.
If you’ve been offered a package and told it’s “standard” or “generous,” don’t assume it is. A proper review by a wrongful dismissal lawyer can make a significant difference in what you walk away with.
Before You Sign Anything, Speak with a Lawyer
Most severance offers come with a deadline. That pressure can lead people to sign quickly, especially when they’re shocked or under financial stress. But once you sign, your ability to revisit the agreement may be gone.
Take a pause. Get advice. You’ve worked hard to build your career. Don’t let your final chapter with an employer end without knowing your rights.
Talk to a Calgary Employment Lawyer
If your remote work arrangement changed without warning, or if you’ve been terminated and aren’t sure whether it was handled lawfully, JSB Law is here to help. Our Calgary employment lawyers focus on protecting employee rights. We’ll walk through your situation with you and give you a clear understanding of what you’re entitled to under Alberta law.
Book a confidential consultation today. You don’t need to navigate this alone, and you don’t need to accept less than what you’re owed.
