Peter A. McSherry Employment Lawyer

09/30/2026

Truth and reconciliation is an active, ongoing journey, not a single day. Take time today to listen to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis voices and stories.

09/29/2026

The news of Stelco idling its Hamilton operations and laying off hundreds of workers is a sharp reminder of how quickly trade pressures can directly impact local employees and their families.

When large-scale layoffs occur, affected workers often face complex questions around notice periods, severance pay, recall rights, and workplace entitlements under Ontario employment law.

If you or someone you know is navigating a job transition or plant closure, understanding your rights is an essential first step. Read the full article for details on the situation:

The union representing workers says the company told them ongoing U.S. tariffs on steel are a primary reason for Stelco's decision to idle the plant.

09/27/2026

Today, on Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day, we stop to honour the brave women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities. We remember their dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to keeping our streets and neighborhoods safe. To the families, friends, and colleagues of our fallen officers, our hearts are with you today and every day.

09/24/2026

Recent developments regarding restructuring and potential job cuts at Hamilton Health Sciences highlight the vital importance of understanding employee rights during organizational changes. Whether dealing with restructuring, layoffs, or severance obligations, staying informed protects both workers and employers navigating these transitions.

https://ow.ly/MRhK50ZQCQo

The union that represents many workers at Hamilton Health Sciences says the organization's forecasted 413 job cuts – including the reduction of 143 nursing positions and 84 health care aide roles – come as a blow to a workforce with morale that is already "very low."

09/22/2026

Canadian employers are sharply rolling back hybrid and remote roles in favour of return-to-office mandates, but changing an employee's existing work arrangements isn't always as simple as updating a job posting.

If an employer unilaterally revokes a long-standing remote or hybrid arrangement, it can lead to constructive dismissal claims or breach of employment contract issues, depending on what was agreed upon when the worker was hired.

Whether you are a business in the area navigating return-to-office policies or an employee facing a sudden shift in your working conditions, understanding the terms of your contract is critical before making any major moves.

https://ow.ly/Cb7P50ZQ9CL

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09/15/2026

Answering emails or messages after hours has become common, but spent time reviewing and responding to late-night communications can count as working time under Ontario law.

While Ontario requires larger employers to have a written disconnecting-from-work policy, many workers still face confusion over expectations, overtime, and unpaid duties. Learn how the Employment Standards Act applies to after-hours emails and what it means for your rights in our latest blog: https://ow.ly/PFHY50ZNVfw

Learn how Ontario disconnecting-from-work rules affect employees, after-hours emails, working time, overtime, and workplace rights.

09/09/2026

Recent reporting highlights how major Ontario organizations like the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board are navigating large-scale workforce restructuring alongside the integration of AI tools.

This situation brings critical employment law issues to the forefront across Ontario, including employer obligations around technological change, constructive dismissal, severance rights during mass layoffs, and unionized workplace grievances.

Read the full report here: https://ow.ly/yIya50ZKIlw

As Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board lays off hundreds of people, some employees who have received notice — and their union — are raising concerns about the agency’s implementation of artificial intelligence.

09/04/2026

Happy Labour Day Long Weekend! We celebrate the dedication and contributions of workers across Canada whose efforts drive our economy and strengthen our communities. Our office is closed on Monday as our team takes time to recharge with family and friends. We look forward to serving you when we reopen on Tuesday.

08/31/2026

In two recent joint decisions (Baker v. Van Dolder's Home Team Inc. and Li v. Wayfair Canada ULC), the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled in favour of employers, finding that contractual termination provisions permitting dismissal "at any time" or "for any reason" remain valid and enforceable if they comply with the minimum standards of the Employment Standards Act, 2000. The Court rejected overly technical readings of termination clauses, affirming that contracts must be interpreted contextually based on the clear, objective intention of the parties rather than hypothetical statutory conflicts.

https://ow.ly/WjCo50ZHlnh

Ruling says termination provisions met minimum statutory entitlements

08/24/2026

As AI tools become a daily part of workplace tasks, entering sensitive information into external chatbots presents growing confidentiality, privacy, and cybersecurity risks. When employees paste client details, personnel records, financial data, or proprietary strategies into public or unapproved AI platforms, organizations risk losing control over how that data is stored, processed, and used. Establishing clear AI policies, defining approved platforms, and providing practical employee training are crucial steps to protecting workplace privacy while benefiting from generative AI technology.

Read more in our latest blog post to learn how to safeguard confidential information while navigating workplace AI: https://ow.ly/87hX50ZENcc

Learn how workplace chatbots can affect confidential information, employee privacy, AI policies and data security for Toronto employers.