Maternity Leave: Protecting Your Rights as a New Parent
Maternity and parental leave are essential protections for employees starting or growing their families. Unfortunately, some employers fail to follow the law, leading to lost income, denied benefits, or job loss. At Hamilton Employment Lawyers, we help employees enforce their rights and advise employers on compliance.
What Are Your Maternity Leave Rights?
In Ontario, eligible employees are entitled to:
- Up to 17 weeks of unpaid maternity leave
- Up to 61 or 63 weeks of unpaid parental leave (depending on eligibility)
- Job protection during the entire leave period
- Continuation of benefits while on leave
Employers are prohibited from penalizing or dismissing employees for taking maternity or parental leave.
Common Maternity Leave Issues
We regularly assist employees and employers with:
- Termination or layoffs during maternity leave
- Reduction in hours, pay, or responsibilities after return
- Denial of benefits continuation during leave
- Disputes over the timing or length of leave
- Reprisal for requesting or taking leave
Why Legal Help is Important
Violations of maternity and parental leave rights can have serious financial and emotional consequences. Our lawyers can help you understand your entitlements, challenge unlawful treatment, and ensure you are reinstated to your position (or a comparable one) when your leave ends.
How We Can Help
Hamilton Employment Lawyers provides:
- Advice on maternity and parental leave rights
- Representation in wrongful dismissal or reprisal claims
- Guidance for employers on compliance with employment standards
- Negotiation of reinstatement or severance packages
