BIWOC Drop-In Series Should I Call A Lawyer?: What You Need To Know About Your Employment Rights
Saturday 25 May 2024
by Olivia Barrett
With many nitty-gritty details involved in contracts and employment law, the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network (CWCLN) hosted its third drop-in session on employment rights.
The educational session, held at the Rideau Hub on May 25, explored several employment rights topics, including employment contracts and standards; disability and accommodations; and the different types of termination of employment.
Ludmilla Jarda, CWCLN’s legal affairs director, discussed these topics in a presentation to the intimate group at the drop-in session. Jarda spoke about her experience in employment law and the importance of recognizing burnout as a result of a workplace.
Jarda’s presentation outlined the responsibilities of employers and employees, and where it may be worth negotiating certain terms such as termination notice. She explained that these topics were important to discuss in order to know how and when to exercise your rights in the workplace.
Whether it be looking over a contract when starting a new job or investigating a termination, Jarda encouraged participants to reach out to a lawyer. She added, “spending a few bucks in the beginning can end up saving you thousands in the end.”
At the beginning and the end of the session, Zoé Jammes, the session’s facilitator, led the group through check-ins and wellness check exercises, which reinforced the recurring topic of recognizing and avoiding burnout, especially in the workplace.
CWCLN is an Ottawa-based organization that provides a variety of services and programs catered towards racialized women and non-binary professionals. Despite being based in Ottawa, the organization aims to connect the community across the country by offering virtual and in-person sessions.