
Preparing for Job Loss in Ontario’s Automotive Industry: Understanding Your Employment Rights in 2025
The automotive industry in Ontario faces uncertainty as U.S. trade policies, like potential tariffs, threaten economic stability. For employees, these shifts raise questions about workplace rights, especially when it comes to layoffs, termination, or significant changes to roles and responsibilities.
Wrongful Dismissal and Your Rights
Employers cannot unilaterally change the terms of your employment. If a change—such as a forced temporary layoff or adjustment in working conditions—is introduced without your agreement or a clear clause in your contract, it may be considered constructive dismissal. Consult an employee or employment lawyer before this occurs, and you may be taken to accept this change. This may allow you to seek severance or pursue legal action for wrongful dismissal if you can act swiftly enough.
Preparing for Job Loss in Ontario's Automotive Industry: Getting Ahead of Changes
1. Understand Your Employment Agreement
Your rights are largely rooted in your employment contract, with some unwritten rules and actions that govern the cases in between or not addressed in your employment agreement. Review it carefully with an experienced Ontario employment lawyer to confirm terms regarding layoffs, job changes, or relocations, which may be illegal.
2. Be Proactive
If you're facing job loss in Ontario's automotive industry or significant changes are happening, and you feel your rights, compensation or terms of employment (like remote work) are at risk, document every interaction and seek legal advice early. Acting quickly ensures you are protected before major decisions are finalized without consultation or discussion with you.
3. Know When to Push Back
Unilateral changes (e.g. your boss telling you to report to a new auto dealership 2 hours away) to your job or employment conditions should never be accepted lightly. Consulting an employment lawyer ensures you understand your rights and options before making any decisions. There are a myriad of ways an employer can make unilateral decisions and ones they cannot. To navigate this maze, speak with a professional.
If you're facing job loss in Ontario's automotive industry or are anticipating substantial changes to your job, contact our expert employee lawyers at Lecker & Associates in Toronto. We have over 40 years of experience advocating for employee rights in the automotive industry and representing workers affected by downsizing.
Call us at 416.223.5391 or complete our contact form to book a consultation.
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