severance package review
Losing a job can be a stressful experience, and receiving a severance package might initially feel like a small comfort during a difficult time. However, many employees in Ontario don’t realize that the initial severance offer they receive is often far below what they are legally entitled to. This leads to a common and important question: Can I get more money after a severance package review Ontario? The answer is often yes, and in many cases, significantly more.
In Ontario, severance entitlements are governed not just by the Employment Standards Act (ESA) but also by common law. While the ESA outlines the minimum standards an employer must meet, the common law provides broader protections that can lead to much larger severance payouts depending on factors like age, length of service, job position, and the ease with which you can find comparable employment. A severance package that only meets ESA requirements could be missing tens of thousands of dollars you are actually entitled to. This is where a severance package review ontario becomes incredibly valuable.
During a severance package review, an employment lawyer will carefully examine your offer and assess whether it meets both legal minimums and common law standards. They will look at your full compensation—not just your base salary, but also bonuses, commissions, benefits, and other perks that may have been excluded from the severance calculation. If those elements are missing, a lawyer can often negotiate a much higher amount on your behalf.
Can I get more money after a severance package review Ontario?
Another reason you might get more money after a severance package review Ontario is that many severance agreements contain waivers or release clauses. These clauses usually require you to give up the right to pursue any future legal claims against your employer. If the compensation offered doesn’t properly reflect what you’re giving up, the agreement could be considered unfair. A legal expert can identify overly broad or restrictive clauses and work to adjust them or increase your payout accordingly.
Employers may also try to pressure employees into signing quickly by setting a short deadline. Without legal advice, employees often feel they have no choice but to accept the first offer. However, a lawyer can request additional time to review the offer and use that time to open negotiations. In many cases, simply involving a lawyer in the process signals to the employer that the employee is serious about their rights, which often results in a better financial offer.
It’s also worth noting that many employees who undergo a severance package review Ontario are surprised by how much more they can receive. Whether it’s an increase in the number of weeks of pay, inclusion of previously excluded benefits, or the addition of compensation for bonuses or commissions, the difference can be substantial.
In conclusion, if you’re asking can I get more money after a severance package review Ontario, the answer is very likely yes. A proper review can uncover shortfalls, clarify your rights, and lead to negotiations that secure a more favorable settlement. Investing in legal advice can pay off considerably by ensuring you receive everything you’re legally entitled to.
