How will the pandemic shape the future of work?
The pandemic impacted heavily on the working lives of many: some lost their jobs, otherwise endured prolonged lay-offs, and many found themselves working from home. With the pandemic waning and (hopefully) at, or close to, an end, employers are considering how best to structure their workplaces moving forward. This presents a unique opportunity - to learn from mistakes, create efficiencies, improve culture and attract talent.
Boosters, Masks and Testing: Three Reasons why Ontario Employers need to Update their COVID-19 Policies
As the pandemic reaches the two year mark, the Omicron variant has taken hold across the country. In response, public health agencies have updated their recommendations and protocols. With the introduction of booster shots, new quality standards for facial masks, and limited access to testing, employers may quickly come to find their existing COVID-19 policies are out of date.
IDEL Extended Again, Now Lasting for a Period of Up to 2.5 Years
The Government of Ontario has announced that Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (“IDEL”) will be extended for a fifth time. It will now cover the period from March 1, 2020 to July 30, 2022. As a result of this change, it is possible that the worst effected employees may find themselves out of work, and without pay, for a staggering 2 years and 5 months.
The Dangers of Applying a Blanket Approach to Employee Vaccination Policies
Over the past several weeks many Ontario employers have implemented policies setting out COVID-19 vaccination requirements for their staff. While in some sectors, such as long-term care, employee vaccination is now mandatory, in most it is not. Nonetheless, a number of employers, such as the City of Toronto, have opted to implement mandatory vaccination policies for their staff.
Ontario Extends Infectious Disease Emergency Leave until January 1, 2022
It is beginning to feel a lot like Groundhog Day. For the fourth time since its inception, the Ontario government has extended the length of Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (“IDEL”). It will now operate until at least December 31, 2021. [Click here for our coverage of previous IDEL extensions.]
Vaccination Policy Obligations for Ontario Employers
Earlier this week, the Ontario government amended the provincial regulation governing businesses and organizations at Step 3 and the “Roadmap Exit Step” of its Roadmap to Reopen Plan. It is important to note that, at present, Ontario remains at Step 3, having yet to reach the Roadmap Exit Step.
Infectious Disease Emergency Leave Extended to September 25, 2021
Ontario has, for a third time, extended the length of Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (“IDEL”). Pursuant to O. Reg. 412/21, IDEL now encompasses a maximum period of March 1, 2020 to September 25, 2021. The practical impact of this change is that employers are allowed to keep employees off work, without pay, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic for an additional three months.