My employment contract states 20 hours per week of work and doesn't specify any specific shift times. I've been working 12pm-4pm Mon-Fri for several years. Can my employer force me to start taking an unpaid 30minute break, effectively keeping me on the job until 4:30pm? Or can they change my shift to 1pm-5pm? Would I be entitled to severance if I don't agree to either of these changes? Thank you.

Your employer cannot force you to take an unpaid 30 minute break for a 4 hour shift. If you were to work a shift of 5 hours or more, however, an unpaid 30 minute break would be required by the Ontario Employment Standards Act. A change in your schedule of 1 hour would not likely allow you to seek severance. This would likely be considered to minor a change to be considered a constructive dismissal. If you would like to discuss your situation in more detail, please contact us at the number below.