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You’ve been called into a meeting with your supervisor and a Human Resources representative. This meeting might be
about termination, retirement, a significant change in your job responsibilities, or an allegation of harassment.

It is important to try to remain calm and think clearly. The following are three points to keep in mind if you find yourself in such a meeting.

Listen

Listen closely to what is being said, and, if appropriate, take notes. If you cannot make notes during the meeting, do so as soon as possible afterwards while events are still fresh in your mind. Sign and date these notes, including the time the notes were made.

Clarify

Be cautious but cooperative in what you say in the meeting. Where possible, offer reasonable explanations and provide relevant context. Do not sign anything that is an acceptance of a termination package, an offer that could change your employment or an admission of guilt.

When do you need to have it in writing?

If your college is proposing a significant change to the terms and conditions of your employment, if you are being
terminated, if you are being pressured to retire, or if harassment is alleged, you should ask the college to set out the
details on paper. Normally the documentation will have already been prepared and will be given to you at the meeting.

Ella Forbes-Chilibeck practises in employment law with the law firm Nelligan O’Brien Payne LLP, OCASA’s legal services provider.

Nelligan O’Brien Payne LLP was selected by the Ontario College Administrative Staff Association (OCASA/APACO) as the preferred law firm for its membership.

[This article was originally published for the Ontario College Administrative Staff Association (OCASA/APACO)]

This content is not intended to provide legal advice or opinion as neither can be given without reference to specific events and situations. © 2021 Nelligan O’Brien Payne LLP.

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