HRM855 - The Legal Environment

Subject Title
The Legal Environment

Subject Description
Today's workplace is highly regulated from the commencement of the relationship through to its termination. Commencing with the employment contract, an examination of both the statutory law and the common law will be undertaken. In both the Federal and Provincial environment, the student will be exposed to such diverse areas as employment standards, worker's compensation, pay equity, human rights and unionization. The corresponding rights and responsibilities of employers and employees will be examined.

Credit Status
One full credit.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Describe the contractual nature of the modern employment relationship, the elements of the contract, and remedies for the breach of the contract.

2. Discuss the differences between the independent contractor, the contract employee, the individual employee and the unionized employee.

3. Identify and be familiar with the important components of the major legislation affecting the employment relationship, knowing where to look for answers to particular questions.

4. Discuss the role of the common law as it relates to employment issues.

5. List the employer's rights and describe how to respond to employee action.

6. Detail the extent of liability on termination and be able to offer practical solutions to minimize that liability.

7. Recognize when employment can be terminated for cause and take the necessary steps to effect the termination.

8. Be able to recognize legal concerns outside the employment relationship which may have an effect on the employer.

Cheating and Plagiarism
Each student should be aware of the College's policy regarding Cheating and Plagiarism. Seneca's Academic Policy will be strictly enforced.

To support academic honesty at Seneca College, all work submitted by students may be reviewed for authenticity and originality, utilizing software tools and third party services. Please visit the Academic Honesty site on http://library.senecacollege.ca for further information regarding cheating and plagiarism policies and procedures.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecacollege.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Disabilities Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.