Our lawyers regularly present grievances on behalf of unions and employee associations on all matters arising from the interpretation or application of collective agreements. We work in the public and private sectors, in federal and provincial jurisdiction, and in a wide variety of industries including manufacturing, health care, and education.
In addition to acting in labour mediations and arbitrations, our firm is frequently called upon to provide advice to unions on a wide range of matters affecting the collective agreement and the collective bargaining relationship — including such areas as privatization and contracting out. Our firm also represents unions in unfair labour practice complaints, certification applications, related and successor employer applications, and other matters before provincial and federal labour boards. We also provide advice and draft language during negotiations, and routinely sit as union nominees on both rights and interest boards of arbitration.
Finally, we provide advice and representation to unions in civil litigation, including injunctions arising out of work stoppages or picketing activities and defamation claims. Our firm also has extensive experience in judicial review applications involving labour boards and other administrative tribunals.
Other Areas of Expertise
Labour Law
Our lawyers regularly present grievances on behalf of unions and employee associations on all matters arising from the interpretation or application of collective agreements.
Human Rights
Our firm regularly provides advice and representation to unions, organizations and individuals involved in human rights, pay equity, or employment equity matters.
Judicial Review and Appellate Advocacy
Our firm routinely provides representation to unions, individuals, and organizations who seek to attack or set aside actions taken by the government or tribunals
Employment Law and Wrongful Dismissal
Our firm represents individuals in a wide range of employment matters, including wrongful dismissal, constructive dismissal, employment standards claims, employee benefits and executive compensation.
Disability Benefits
Our firm provides assistance to individuals applying for Long-Term Disability Benefits and Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits, as well as representations before appeal tribunals.
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Our firm provides advice and representation to individuals, unions and organizations respecting the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Charter.
Health and Safety / WSIB
Our firm provides advice and representation in matters concerning workers’ compensation and health and safety. This includes appearances before appeal tribunals.
Pensions and Retirement Benefits
Our firm provides advice and representation to individual employees and unions on matters such as retirement and disability pensions.
Professional Discipline
We regularly defend professionals who are the subject of complaints to their governing body, notably in the health care and education sectors.
Access to Information and Privacy
Our firm assists clients with their own research projects and can provide guidance and representation throughout the process, including complaints and court applications, to maximize results and reduce delays.
Whistleblower Protection
Our firm provides advice and advocacy to employees before, during, and after the whistle is “blown.” We provide guidance as to the scope of permissible disclosure and the procedural steps that are necessary before “going public.”
Advocacy Training
We have extensive experience in developing and presenting courses designed to teach advocacy skills to union representatives, at both basic and more advanced levels.