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ARTICLE · 25 AUGUST 2022

Workforce Planning During The Economic Slowdown: Options For Employers Outside Quebec

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We are still feeling the effects of COVID-19. On top of that, inflation is rising and interest rates are up. Faced with these challenges, some employers have started to announce downsizings.

CanadaEmployment and HR
Marc Rodrigue
Marc Rodrigue
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We are still feeling the effects of COVID-19. On top of that, inflation is rising and interest rates are up. Faced with these challenges, some employers have started to announce downsizings.

This resource discusses the non-COVID-19 options available to employers to manage the unexpected downturns and, if necessary, to reduce their labour force. All of these options are subject to restrictions in any collective agreement in unionized workplaces, and in any employment agreement in non-unionized workplaces. All options should be considered carefully in light of potential risks discussed below.

Voluntary and Involuntary Temporary Layoffs

Provincial employment standards legislation has provisions dealing with situations of temporary lay-offs. Some have specific requirements. Others are more permissive. Ontario, for example, has provisions dealing with temporary leaves up to 35 weeks in a 52 week period (with a number of conditions) and up to 13 weeks in a 20 week

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