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I am a sole proprietor since 2008 of an essential service (auto repair) in BC. My only employee of 3 yrs did not request to take Covid leave just assumed he was entitled to it. Does he need to request this leave just like any other leave of absence? I have asked him to return to work multiple times but says he doesn't have childcare, however, both parents are essential service workers and emergency childcare should be available to them. Also when he does return, can I have him sign an employment contract with no changes to his duties, hours or pay? We haven't had one in place throughout the duration of his employment only verbal policies etc. Over the past year, I have documented multiple insubordination instances, arguments with profanities in front of clients, failures to adhere to verbal policies however unsure if severe enough to terminate for cause but definitely a toxic workplace. I now realize the importance of a contract, I need to protect my business. Thank you!

I work as an architectural technologist for a small architectural design firm with 2 partners (1 licienced architect OAA) and less than 4 employees. I'm told there is very little work due to covid-19 and am currently using up my lieu (banked) hours which are almost exhausted. If the work situation continues can my boss make me use up my vacation hours after my lieu hours run out? I have worked for this architectural firm neat Toronto Ontario for more than 12 years. If they let me go after exhausting my lieu hours and vacation hours what severance am I entitled too?

I stopped work due to COVID 19 because felt not safe in my working place. I worked as security guard in Safeway store and was not provided masks only gloves. I was asked by management to approach to every customer ang give them sanitazing napkins. So I was in contact with hundreds people without PPE and was afraid of being infected. My girlfriend has chronic lungs condition. It was in March, highest level of COVID 19 epidemic. I informed my boss a day before my shift that I cannot work but did not receive any reply. Later I knew that he dismissed me, but I have no documentation about this. I didn't do formal work refusal , I didn't know about this. I applied for CERB and got money. Am I eligible? If not when I need to return money?

I was terminated this week and received an offer for Salary continuance. In the letter it states that I won't receive an ROE until the Salary continuance has ended. If I don't find a position by the end of Salary continuance (which is 24 weeks), I assumed I wouldn't have to apply for EI until then. I was reading online (and called the CERB info line directly with the government and received conflicting information). I read online that I should apply for EI within 4 weeks of being terminated, NOT at the end of the severance time frame (as I will supposedly be declined), it will be on file and then I will receive payment at the end of 24 weeks. When I called CERB directly, they stated to apply immediately and she stated that I will start receiving $2000. This doesn't seem right as I will be on Salary continuance. I want to do this correctly but there is a lot of conflicting information. What is correct?

My wife & I operate a licensed childcare (no union) with 10 staff who have all been laid off due to the COVID-19 shutdown by the province. We are topping up their EI benefits (Sub Plan) to full salary and all of their medical & insurance benefits have remained in place while on leave. Are we able to have our employees regard some of this paid leave as paid vacation? Must an employee on paid leave agree to this arrangement with us their employer?