Canadian pizza chain Pizza Nova is facing a multimillion-dollar class action claiming its independently owned franchises misclassified delivery drivers as independent contractors and failed to pay them minimum wage. In what the lawsuit calls a “systemic breach” of provincial employment laws, delivery drivers at 140 Pizza Nova stores across Ontario were denied “appropriate compensation” and protections because they were not classified as employees, according to the statement of claim. >> Driving-local delivery; Restaurant
Toronto labour and employment lawyer Hermie Abraham answered Star reader questions about workers’ rights. Over 75 questions were answered in the session, so we’ve compiled a Q&A table of contents regarding workers rights and COVID-19 — from the rights of laid-off workers to childcare concerns.>> COVID-19-related
Employers typically can’t impose temporary layoffs unless they have a contractual right to do so (through collective agreements in unionized workplaces or individual employment contracts) or, in some seasonal or cyclical industries such as construction, an implied right based on past practices. Without a contract, the law generally requires companies to pay fired workers a severance, not simply send them home with no pay and a promise it will be temporary. But legal experts say the widespread disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak could provide justification for employers to use temporary layoffs despite having no contractual right. >> COVID-19-related
One of the dominant stories about newcomers to Canada a decade or so ago was the professional — a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer — driving a cab or delivering pizza or working behind the counter at Tim Hortons. This only partly mythical figure has faded in recent years, but the issue of credentials and certification hasn't gone away. >> Credentials
Confusion about proper training means some barbers unsure if they're working under the law. >> Hairstyling
The City of Toronto is taking steps they say will keep residents and visitors safe when using vehicles-for-hire in the city. City council adopted a number of amendments to the Vehicles-for-Hire By-law that will improve the safety and accessibility of taxicabs, limousines, and private transportation companies (PTCs) such as Uber and Lyft. >> Driving-taxi and rideshare
The story of Ebrahim, a Syrian lawyer who arrived in Canada as a refugee. Now a student at Osgoode Law School, Ebrahim will soon be working as an authorized law practitioner. >> Law
With a law degree from Syria and four years of legal practice under her belt, Talar Chitjian hit a wall when she tried to restart her career in Canada. >> Law
Religious minorities in Quebec are reeling after the right-leaning government of Franà§ois Legault proposed the law last week. It would prohibit not just teachers, but other public sector workers in positions of authority, including lawyers and police officers, from wearing religious symbols while working. >> Women
A B.C. group representing Canadians who've graduated from medical schools outside Canada and the U.S. has filed a lawsuit challenging the obstacles these doctors face in competing for the limited number of residency positions in B.C. hospitals. >> Health care