Labour Relations
We understand the unique challenges our clients face in operating their business within a unionized environment. Our labour lawyers have worked with a wide range of unionized employers, including financial service providers, charity and not-for-profit organizations, health care providers and energy distribution companies.
As such, our lawyers are experienced with advising both federally- and provincially-regulated employers and navigating the specific requirements of the Ontario Labour Relations Act and the Canada Labour Code, as applicable.
We are sensitive to the fact that the collective bargaining regime reflects an ongoing, and often long-term, relationship. As such, we work with our clients to support, and foster, positive working relationships while ensuring compliance with all applicable collective agreements and the maintenance of management rights.
We are familiar with the grievance process, and our labour lawyers are well-equipped to provide strategic advice and guidance to resolve disputes, while protecting ongoing business needs. We assist clients with collective agreement interpretation and application, as well as acting on behalf of our clients in the course of grievance arbitration. We can help employers resolve disputes over:
- discipline and discharge
- seniority
- management rights
- human rights and accommodation
- contracting out; and
- benefit entitlements
In addition to providing ongoing advice and representation in grievance arbitration, we also assist with matters such as unfair labour practice allegations and collective bargaining strategy, drafting and negotiation.