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I work as an online tutor in Ontario, as an independent contractor and have done so for four years. I tutor students aged 13-17. I am an OCT (Ontario Certified Teacher). Tutors have always been anonymous (we have a non-identifying username). This has been the standard for 19 years the program has been running. We have been told that our first initial and last name must now be used. For those of us with unique last names, this amounts to fully identifying us. In our contracts, it states we must maintain anonymity. The organization has said that this full disclosure is due to a regulation in the Ontario College of Teachers Act of 1996, that teachers must disclose their real, actual name when acting in a professional capacity. Our contracts run from April 1 - March 31. We have not received new contracts as of yet. The change has not yet been implemented. What are my options? Does the legislation override a legally binding contract?The legislation is from 1996 and surely does not take into account anonymous, online tutors and the possible destructive power of social media.
I am sorry to hear about the issues you are having with the terms of your contract being changed, and the privacy concerns related to this. It can be extremely stressful when the other party to a contract suddenly drops a term like this on you and demands you comply based on a reference to legal and professional obligations.
For clarity, the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996 is the name of the act being referred to. It has been regular amended and updated over the last two decades to ensure it is fit for purpose.
All contracts are required to comply with the law, and any contract that does not would be void.
Most drastic organization wide changes are not voluntary; they are the result of an investigation or determination of wrongdoing. Depending on the specifics, this may have a far-reaching impact in terms of your status as an independent contractor, and your entitlements. However, more importantly it can impact your liabilities.
We can help you address this right now. Don’t sign anything yet or take any steps in terms of the current contract. Contact us, and a member of our intake team will reach out to guide you through the next steps.
For clarity, the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996 is the name of the act being referred to. It has been regular amended and updated over the last two decades to ensure it is fit for purpose.
All contracts are required to comply with the law, and any contract that does not would be void.
Most drastic organization wide changes are not voluntary; they are the result of an investigation or determination of wrongdoing. Depending on the specifics, this may have a far-reaching impact in terms of your status as an independent contractor, and your entitlements. However, more importantly it can impact your liabilities.
We can help you address this right now. Don’t sign anything yet or take any steps in terms of the current contract. Contact us, and a member of our intake team will reach out to guide you through the next steps.