Employment and Labour

We act primarily for employers, advising many of Canada's major employers on matters relating to the employment relationship. Our expertise extends to businesses and government agencies in both the private and public sectors.

The range of services we provide include the resolution of employment disputes, labour arbitrations, assistance and advising in respect of the hiring of both senior managers and staff, advising at the time of the termination of the employment relationship, advising on disability and human rights issues (including alcohol and drug testing matters) and, if necessary, representation in the courts or before federal and provincial administrative boards and private arbitration panels.

Our employment law specialists strive to provide tax-effective, practical solutions directed towards minimizing disruption both in the workplace and at home. We work closely with clients to provide proactive and creative solutions to employment issues. Members of our employment law group seek to resolve employment and labour disputes before they lead to litigation, while aggressively defending or asserting the rights of our clients if strategizing and negotiation prove unsuccessful.

We understand the unique needs of our clients. Our employment lawyers have the ability to draw on the expertise of lawyers in our other practice groups, including litigation and corporate, as well as specialists in our international offices to ensure that the right experience and advice is brought to the problem and the issue is resolved in a timely, innovative and cost-effective manner.

Members of our employment law group also understand the importance of education in the workplace. Human resource personnel, seminar planners and legal professionals regularly call upon us to conduct educational seminars and training courses on a wide range of current employment, labour and health and safety issues.

We advise clients on all aspects of employment law and labour relations, including:

Employment issues relating to corporate reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions.
Potential employment terminations.
Potential and actual claims of constructive dismissal and wrongful dismissal.
Overtime compensation agreements.
Human rights issues such as drug and alcohol dependencies, mental disabilities and sexual harassment.
Workers’ Compensation claims, including representation before the Workers’ Compensation Board.
Administrative hearings in relation to Employment Standards claims.
Union/management disputes.
Grievance procedures, including representation at arbitration.
Pensions and collateral employment benefits.
Preparation and enforcement of employment policies.