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seasonal employees and severance pay

Submitted by Moshe on Sun, 07/03/2010 - 13:56
Mike asks:

Question

I work as a life-guard for about 7-8 months per year and then I am terminated, only to be hired again by the same employer 4 months later when the new swimming season begins. what are my rights regarding severance pay and tenure ?

Answer

Section 2 (9) of the severance pay law states that a break in employer-employee relations that does not exceed 3 months doesn't effect tenure (and as a result severance pay).
In an amendment to this law, effective December 31, 2009, this period has been extended to 6 months. The purpose of this amendment is exactly for employees in scenarios such as yours.
If you are terminated, you would be eligible for severance pay from your 1st start-date with this employer.