Can you get fired for no reason in Alberta?
Generally, for non-unionized employees, the answer is yes.
Employers frequently dismiss employees due to corporate restructuring, downsizing, or because they want to make changes in their workforce. This is an extremely frustrating situation for many employees who have done nothing wrong to justify losing their jobs.
Fortunately, an employer is generally required to provide adequate notice of termination of the job or to provide a severance package.
What is the minimum termination notice in Alberta?
The Alberta Employment Standards Code establishes minimum termination pay that most employees are entitled to receive if their job is ended. These minimum standards are:
To terminate employment an employer must give an employee written termination notice of at least:
- One week, if the employee has been employed by the employer for more than 90 days but less than 2 years,
- 2 weeks, if the employee has been employed by the employer for 2 years or more but less than 4 years,
- 4 weeks, if the employee has been employed by the employer for 4 years or more but less than 6 years,
- 5 weeks, if the employee has been employed by the employer for 6 years or more but less than 8 years,
- 6 weeks, if the employee has been employed by the employer for 8 years or more but less than 10 years, or
- 8 weeks, if the employee has been employed by the employer for 10 years or more.
Most employees are entitled to severance pay which is far greater than the minimum amounts set out in the Employment Standards Code. For this reason, it is important to obtain legal advice to understand your rights if you have been let go from your job.
