Labour relations describes the legal and business relationship between employers and unions representing their employees. By virtue of collective agreements and labour relations legislation across Canada, most disputes touching on the terms and conditions and the statutory rights of employment in unionized workplaces are dealt with by arbitrators, labour relations boards or through a conciliation process between employers and trade unions.
Our lawyers regularly advise and act for employers with unionized workplaces, representing clients in grievance and interest arbitration proceedings, before federal and provincial labour relations boards and before courts in judicial review proceedings. We also frequently assist clients with the negotiation of collective agreements and with labour relations strategies. We have acted for numerous companies with respect to strikes and lock-outs and have the necessary expertise to obtain injunctions when necessary.