Employment Law

Alder Law’s Approach to Workplace Issues

Employment relationships are governed by a combination of legislation, contracts, and evolving case law. Statutes set minimum standards and human rights protections, contracts define the specific rights and obligations between the parties, and court and tribunal decisions continue to refine how those rules are interpreted in practice.

For employees, this framework affects everything from compensation and workplace protections to how disputes are resolved. For employers, it informs day-to-day management decisions, workplace policies, and the handling of hiring, discipline, and termination.

Whether addressing a dispute or planning proactively, thoughtful guidance can help avoid unnecessary conflict, protect legal rights, and support fair, workable outcomes for all involved.

Supporting Both Employees and Employers

At Alder Law, we work with both employees and employers across British Columbia. This balanced perspective allows us to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities for resolution, and provide practical, effective advice at every stage of the employment relationship.

We assist clients with a wide range of employment matters, including:

• Human Rights – We advise both employees and employers on human rights matters involving protected grounds such as disability, gender, age, and race. Whether you are bringing a claim or responding to one, we provide guidance through the appropriate tribunals and courts with a focus on practical, effective outcomes.
• Workplace Discrimination – Workplace discrimination can be overt or subtle, but its impact is always significant. For employees, it can affect your livelihood, well-being, and sense of security. For employers, it can create legal exposure and disrupt workplace culture. We help address concerns early, investigate issues, and resolve disputes fairly and efficiently.
• Wrongful Dismissal – The end of an employment relationship can be complex and challenging. Employees may be entitled to reasonable notice of termination or pay in lieu, unless there is just cause. Employers must ensure terminations are handled lawfully and with proper notice. We advise on both pursuing and defending wrongful dismissal claims.
• Employment Contracts – Clear, well-drafted agreements set the foundation for a strong working relationship. We assist employees in understanding their rights and obligations, and help employers draft and review employment contracts, executive agreements, restrictive covenants, and workplace policies to ensure they are enforceable and aligned with current law.
• Constructive Dismissal – Significant changes to an employee’s role or work environment can raise concerns about constructive dismissal. Employees may feel forced to resign, while employers may not realize the legal risks of workplace changes. We provide guidance on identifying, preventing, and resolving constructive dismissal issues.
• Employee Disability & Accommodation – Employers have a duty to accommodate employees with disabilities to the point of undue hardship. We support employees seeking appropriate accommodations and assist employers in navigating their legal obligations, managing accommodation processes, and resolving related disputes.
• Severance – Understanding rights and obligations on termination is critical for both sides. We help employees assess whether a severance offer is fair and negotiate improved terms where appropriate. We also advise employers on structuring reasonable severance packages that reduce risk and support smooth transitions.

Contact Alder Law’s Employment Lawyers in Port Coquitlam

We understand that employment issues often arise at pivotal and often stressful moments. For employees, this may involve the loss of a job, concerns about workplace treatment, or uncertainty about next steps. For employers, it can mean managing sensitive workplace situations, addressing legal risk, or making decisions that affect both operations and people.

Our approach is grounded in clear, practical communication and timely, responsive service. We focus on understanding each client’s priorities and tailoring our advice accordingly, whether the goal is to resolve a dispute efficiently, protect ongoing relationships, or take a firm position where needed.

Whether you are seeking advice, negotiating a resolution, or pursuing a claim, Alder Law is here to help you navigate your employment law matter with clarity and confidence. Please call 604 936 9600, email [email protected] or complete the contact form.

British Columbia Employment Law Resources

• British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal
• Government of British Columbia – Employment Standards Branch
• Clicklaw BC
• WorkSafeBC
• BC Employment Standards Tribunal