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ARTICLE · 08 APRIL 2020

Pandemic Dangers: Properly Managing Work Refusals In Canada Today

Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
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Over 1,700 cases reported in Ontario. Canada's count in the thousands. States of emergency declared. Non-essential work suspended.

CanadaEmployment and HR
John Mastoras
John Mastoras
Kevin MacNeill
Kevin MacNeill
Chanelle Wong
Chanelle Wong
Danielle Emmett
Danielle Emmett
Nicole Buchanan
Nicole Buchanan
Stéphane Erickson
Stéphane Erickson
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Over 1,700 cases reported in Ontario. Canada's count in the thousands. States of emergency declared. Non-essential work suspended. Many of those still working across Canada are either performing essential work, working remotely, or both.

The evolving COVID-19 situation has affected employers in different, but mostly difficult, ways. Indeed, employers across Canada are facing challenging times and addressing an influx of issues. Recently, we addressed the issue of temporary layoffs, an option some employers have had to consider in light of the coronavirus' impact on the availability of work for some or all of their employees. Other employers, on the other hand, have active employees working remotely, with modified work conditions, and/or providing essential services to the public. The question now is: what to do if these employees refuse to work for reasons related to the coronavirus?

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About Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

Norton Rose Fulbright is a global law firm. We provide the world's preeminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. We have 3800 lawyers and other legal staff based in more than 50 cities across Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Recognized for our industry focus, we are strong across all the key industry sectors: financial institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining and commodities; transport; technology and innovation; and life sciences and healthcare.

Wherever we are, we operate in accordance with our global business principles of quality, unity and integrity. We aim to provide the highest possible standard of legal service in each of our offices and to maintain that level of quality at every point of contact.

For more information about Norton Rose Fulbright, see nortonrosefulbright.com/legal-notices.

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