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Hi Lior I work as an Office Manager for a 7 lawyer + 16 support staff law firm in Waterloo. On October 1, 2020, I will have worked for the firm for 21 years and have a great deal of responsibility. I am 58 years old. The firm is closing down on April 30, 2020 and I have been asked to stay on to deal with winding down the firm. On December 13, 2019, I was given 18.5 months working notice and am expected to continue working until June 30, 2021. I do not get paid overtime, or even extra time as I am a manager. However, with the lawyers and most of the support staff joining a national law firm starting May 1, 2020, I need to work a 45 to 50 hour work week instead of 35 hours, without compensation on tasks that are not normal to my position. I have asked for 24 month working notice and pay in lieu of notice, as well as pay at my hourly rate over 40 hours/week. I am being shut down on my requests, and have been told they thought they were being "fair" to me.
Any suggestions on how to proceed? I have seen a lawyer. but wanted to try and negotiate myself, which I am finding extremely difficult.
Thank you for writing to us and for your detailed question. One thought aside from your question: If your job does dramatically change in May 2020 this may be considered a constructive dismissal and you may be able to leave your employment and make a claim for severance. Regarding the negotiations, if the Company has refused to deal/negotiate with you or increase the package it is highly advisable that you hire a lawyer to assist you in the negotiations. Absent a threat of a lawsuit, it is likely that the Company will continue state that the package is "fair". I strongly recommend that you call us and book a consultation with one of our employment lawyers.