Quebec – Terminated after parental leave – Final offer 14 + 6 weeks – Accept or file CNESST complaint?

TLDR at the bottom;

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for objective opinions before making a decision.

I was recently terminated in Quebec after 6.5 years of service with the same employer.

My termination occurred shortly after returning from parental leave.

Employees in comparable roles remain employed, and similar positions were posted on the company’s website around the time of my dismissal.

The employer initially offered:

14 weeks of notice pay

2 additional weeks in exchange for signing a release.

After negotiation, they increased the offer to

14 + 6 weeks as a “last and final offer” calculated on my base salary only.

Important detail: my total compensation included:

10% annual bonus

7.5% employer RRSP contribution

They are refusing to calculate anything based on total compensation.

I have about 10 days left to file a complaint with the CNESST (either unjust dismissal under s.124 or potentially prohibited practice due to the timing after parental leave).

My questions:

1. Is 20 weeks of base salary reasonable in Quebec for 6.5 years of service?

2. Does the fact that the termination happened shortly after parental leave significantly affect leverage?

3. If I file with CNESST, is it realistic to expect the offer could improve? how much?

4. Is mediation worth pursuing, or am I likely just prolonging the process?

I’m trying to decide whether to accept the offer or escalate.

Thanks in advance for your input.

TL;DR: Terminated in Quebec after 6.5 years, shortly after parental leave. Employer’s final offer is 14 weeks notice + 6 weeks severance (base salary only). Similar roles remain filled and were posted online. I have 10 days left to file with CNESST. Accept or escalate?