COVID-19 Employment Law Questions for the Province of Alberta

There is currently a lot of uncertainty with the onslaught of the COVID-19 virus in Alberta. Given the uncertainty of how long this unprecedented situation will last – we have seen an increase in questions from both employers and employees on Alberta employment law matters as they relate to changes to employment and business operations during the COVID-19 crisis.

If you are an employer, employee and/or business owner - there have been some developments in the last few weeks on workplace law in Alberta which you need to be aware of - and we recommend you consult with an Alberta employment lawyer for legal advice on employment law matters during this time. While the Province of Alberta has provided extensive COVID-19 info for Albertans on their website regarding Coronavirus - our Alberta employment lawyers at Verhaeghe Law have come up with a list of questions that we have encountered and offered legal advice on since the situation has escalated.

COVID-19 Most Commonly Asked Questions in Alberta for Employment Law & Workplace Matters

• What happens if an employee contracts COVID-19 and is unable to work?
• Are employers allowed to layoff or fire staff if they contract COVID-19?
• What happens if employees do not want to work or productivity declines due to their fear of contracting COVID-19? What are my rights as an employer or employee in Alberta?
• What does a business or organization do if an employee has tested for COVID-19 in Alberta?
• What does a business or organization do if an employee may have an unconfirmed case of COVID-19 and/or is showing symptoms in Alberta?
• What can an employer do if their employees are not following social distancing protocols in Alberta?
• What are employer rights with respect to temporary lay offs?
• What are an employees' rights with respect to temporary lay offs?
• What are employers supposed to do once their business has been ordered to close by the government and what are the legalities involved?
• Are employees still covered under benefits plan during temporary layoffs?
• What if an employee has COVID-19 and is unable to work in Alberta?
• Are employers required to pay employees if their employees are out of work if they do not have COVID-19 symptoms?
• Are employers required to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for their staff?
• Where can Alberta employers and employees get regular updates on COVID-19 in Alberta?
• Are employers required to take employees temperatures to determine whether they have been infected or at risk of infecting other employees?
• Can employees be disciplined for refusing to work if they are classified as an essential business?
• What steps do we need to take if an employee has come into close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19?
• Are employers required to report on COVID-19 cases in their workplace to regional authorities?
• How do employers handle employees who have been away traveling or are unwilling to follow quarantine and self-isolation processes?
• What are the protocols for working remotely?
• What if a business or organization needs to replace sick employees on a temporary basis to operate?
• What are the provincial and federal economic response plans and how can they help me?
• What do I need to consider if I'm developing continuity plans for our business or organization?
• And more

Book a paid consultation with an employment lawyer from Verhaeghe Law Office

Contact our employment lawyers today to book a paid consultation with an employment lawyer. While we have physical offices in Edmonton, St. Albert and Athabasca - we have our employment lawyers waiting on stand-by to help navigate you through these unprecedented times with respect to your employment law needs through virtual technology means. Our employment lawyers can offer consultations through virtual technology platforms such as Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, GoTo Meeting and more so you don't have to travel to see us.

Speak with an Alberta based employment lawyer now on all COVID-19 questions regarding employment law matters by dialing 587-410-2500 now and a member from our team will be pleased to assist you. Please note we are only able to assist on employment law matters in Alberta only.