If you have been terminated from your employment after years of service, it is essential to understand your entitlement to severance pay. Without proper legal guidance, you could leave money on the table and accept an unfair package.
At JSB Law, our experienced severance pay lawyers focus on helping employees in Calgary and surrounding areas navigate the termination process and secure fair compensation. With a deep understanding of Alberta’s employment laws and years of experience working for employees, we are dedicated to ensuring that you receive all the severance pay and benefits to which you are entitled.
What Is Severance Pay?
Severance pay is compensation provided to employees when their employment is terminated. It is meant to cover the notice period that an employee would have been entitled to but did not receive. However, the amount and form of severance pay can vary greatly depending on factors such as your length of service, position, age and the terms of your employment agreement.
In Alberta, employees are entitled to minimum notice or pay in lieu of notice under the Employment Standards Code. This is known as statutory severance pay. However, the reality is that many employees, particularly senior and skilled professionals, are entitled to far more under common law. Severance pay for these individuals could range from several months to even years of compensation, depending on the specific circumstances.
Why Do You Need a Severance Pay Lawyer?
Your severance package can significantly impact your financial future. Termination is already a challenging time, and employers do not always offer fair severance terms. Without a severance pay lawyer, you risk missing out on additional compensation. Here's how we can assist you.
Severance Package Evaluation
We carefully review the severance package you’ve been offered to ensure it reflects your legal entitlements. Often, employers overlook important factors such as your years of service, your position, or the difficulty of finding a new job, especially in senior or specialized roles. Our lawyers will identify any gaps in your severance package and determine if additional compensation is warranted.
Negotiation for Improved Terms
If the severance pay offered is insufficient, we’ll negotiate with your employer to ensure you receive fair compensation. Our lawyers are highly skilled negotiators and have a proven track record of securing significantly improved severance terms for employees in high-level positions. We will work to ensure that all aspects of your compensation, including bonuses, stock options, benefits and other entitlements, are accurately included.
Representation in Disputes and Litigation
In some cases, negotiations may fail to result in a satisfactory settlement. If that’s the case, our severance pay lawyers are ready to represent you in court. We are prepared to fight for your rights and will leverage our skills in employment law to ensure the best possible outcome.
Protection from Unfair Clauses
Some severance packages include release clauses that waive your right to pursue further claims against the employer. These clauses, in some cases, are unfair or unenforceable. Our lawyers will carefully assess any release clauses to protect your interests and negotiate fair terms that do not unduly restrict your future rights.
Contact Our Calgary Severance Pay Lawyers Today
After you’ve been terminated, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Our severance pay lawyers in Calgary are here to protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. We offer a free consultation where we’ll evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.
Call us now at 403-620-5400 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
Why Consult an Employee Severance Package Lawyer?
Navigating severance negotiations can be challenging, and employers do not always provide a fair or reasonable severance offer. Hiring an employment lawyer ensures your rights are protected. At JSB Employment Law, we exclusively represent employees and are focused on achieving the best outcome for you. Let our employment lawyers evaluate your severance package to ensure that it complies with Alberta’s employment laws and you are not being short-changed. Often the cost of such a review may be covered/reimbursed by your former employer and a tax write-off for you. Not only that but a severance package review could result in the terminated employee recovering substantially greater severance pay.
Below are some common issues with severance packages.
Insufficient Notice or Compensation
Employers sometimes undervalue years of service, overlook the significance of an employee’s role, or fail to consider the challenges of re-entering the job market—particularly for those in specialized or senior positions. These oversights can result in severance offers that fall short of what you’re truly entitled to. Understanding your legal rights is crucial to ensuring you receive adequate notice and compensation.
Unfair Release Clauses
Many severance agreements include clauses that release the employer from future liability. These clauses can significantly impact your rights. We help you understand their implications and negotiate fair terms.
Misclassification of Termination
Employers may claim “just cause” for termination to avoid paying severance. Proving cause requires substantial evidence, and many such claims are unjustified. Our lawyers challenge these misclassifications to secure you appropriate compensation.
Omitted Benefits and Compensation
Severance packages should reflect all entitlements, including lost benefits, bonuses, and other perks. We ensure your package accounts for the full scope of your rights.
How Our Employment Severance Package Lawyers Help
Our experienced lawyers provide a comprehensive approach to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Severance Package Evaluation
We review your severance package to identify gaps or unfair terms, ensuring compliance with legal standards. This review includes assessing whether the offered compensation aligns with your tenure, position, and the unique circumstances of your termination.
Severance Negotiation
If your severance offer is inadequate, we negotiate with your employer for improved terms that reflect your entitlements. Our lawyers use their knowledge to advocate for fair compensation, ensuring that all overlooked factors, such as benefits, bonuses, and additional entitlements, are addressed.
Representation in Severance Disputes
If negotiations fail, we advocate for you through litigation, leveraging our expertise to achieve the best possible resolution. Our team is committed to ensuring your rights are upheld and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Employment Severance Package Lawyers Today
As Calgary-based lawyers, we have in-depth knowledge of Alberta’s employment laws and local job market conditions. We use this knowledge to provide strategic, effective advice.
Don’t leave your severance package to chance. Our team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring your rights are upheld, and your future is secure.
Call us now at 403-620-5400 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
