Labour Relations

Our practice encompasses all activity before the Ontario Labour Relations Board or the Canada Labour Relations Board. Usually an employer becomes involved in an application by the union to become the sole representative of all non- managerial employees. This is done by describing a bargaining unit of those non- supervisory persons not doing labour relations work whom it says are similarly situated and have the same community of interest in negotiating a collective agreement. The union must have at least 40% of the persons in such a unit signed to membership cards. This secures them a government- supervised vote.

If the union receives more than 50% of the votes cast it can force the employer to bargain a collective agreement. The failure to do so in good faith can force an arbitrated first agreement.

Throughout this process the legislative rules guide the parties as determined by Labour Board decisions from time to time. The Board regulates the labour relationship if the parties cannot get along.

Employers need advice to deal with all the issues that arise. We can guide you through the rules and regulations. We can help you assess the policy issues involved and determine the best approaches for responding to organizing activity