News & Events
The Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board Decides to “Punish” the Correctional Service of Canada by Awarding $310,000 for Psychological Harm and Punitive Damages
December 1, 2022
Lyons v Deputy Head (Correctional Service of Canada), 2022 FPSLREB 95 On November 21, 2022, the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board (the “Board”) released its decision in Lyons v Deputy Head (Correctional Service of Canada), 2022 FPSLREB 95. This decision follows the Board’s previous ruling in Lyons v Deputy Head (Correctional Service
Practice Area
Labour Law
The Keeping Students in Class Act
November 2, 2022
On October 31, 2022 the Ontario government introduced Bill 28 (“Bill 28”), the Keeping Students in Class Act. The Bill involves a broad and aggressive legislative attack on the constitutional rights of workers to engage in collective bargaining. Bill 28 arrived in the midst of ongoing bargaining between the government and education workers represented by
Practice Area
Labour Law
Arbitrators Split in Two Recent Decisions on Whether Two-Dose COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates Continue to be Reasonable as Pandemic Evolves
July 6, 2022
As public health responses adapt to an ongoing and evolving COVID-19 pandemic, now dominated by the Omicron variant, arbitrators continue to consider whether mandatory workplace vaccination policies remain reasonable. In two recent decisions, Alectra Utilities Corporation v Power Workers’ Union and FCA Canada Inc. v Unifor, Locals 195, 444, 1285, labour arbitrators recognized the importance
Practice Area
Labour Law
Arbitrator strikes down “automatic termination” penalty for non-compliance with mandatory vaccination policy
February 10, 2022
In a decision issued on February 7, 2022, Arbitrator Gail Misra struck down an employer’s policy for mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 to the extent that the policy contemplated termination as an “automatic” penalty for non-compliance. The decision deals with a policy grievance by Healthcare, Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 2220 (“the Union”) against Chartwell
Practice Area
Labour Law
Arbitrator upholds mandatory vaccination requirement for indoor workers
February 9, 2022
In a recent decision, Arbitrator Michael Mitchell upheld a policy on mandatory vaccination (which required two doses in addition to any recommended boosters) against COVID-19 as it applied to employees who work in an indoor setting at least some of the time.[1] The Power Workers’ Union (“the Union”) filed a policy grievance against the vaccination
Practice Area
Labour Law
British Columbia Arbitrator denies application for a temporary stay of the City of Richmond mandatory vaccination policy
January 21, 2022
On January 12, 2022, Arbitrator Randall J. Noonan released a decision in which he denied an application by the International Association of Professional Firefighters, Local 1286 (“IAFF”) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Locals 718 and 394 (“CUPE”) (together, the “Unions”) to stay the application of a mandatory vaccination policy (the “Policy”) by the
Practice Area
Labour Law
Arbitrator Jesin upholds MLSE mandatory vaccination and status disclosure policy
January 14, 2022
In a decision released on January 12th, 2022, Arbitrator Jesin held that a workplace mandatory Covid-19 vaccination policy and associated vaccination status disclosure requirement issued by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (“MLSE” or the “Employer”) for employees working at its Toronto sports and events venue Scotia Bank Arena was a reasonable exercise of the Employer’s
Practice Area
Labour Law
Labour Board dismisses complaints against unions regarding responses to COVID-19 vaccine policies
January 12, 2022
In a pair of decisions released back-to-back, the Ontario Labour Relations Board dismissed separate applications alleging that trade unions violated their Duty of Fair Representation in relation to their handling of complaints concerning employer COVID-19 vaccine policies. On January 10 and 11 2022, the Board released its decisions in Bloomfield v SEIU, Local 1 and
Practice Area
Labour Law
Arbitrator upholds mandatory vaccination policy
January 6, 2022
In a decision released on January 4, 2022, Arbitrator Herman denied a grievance from the United Food and Commercial Workers Canada, Local 175 (“UFCW”) concerning a workplace policy on mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 issued by Bunge Hamilton Canada (“Bunge”). UFCW grieved that the policy—which placed non-compliant employees on unpaid leave—was an unreasonable exercise of managerial
Practice Area
Labour Law
Quebec Arbitrator Upholds Vaccine Requirement Imposed by Customers
November 23, 2021
In a decision released on November 15, 2021, Arbitrator Denis Nadeau found that a vaccination requirement promulgated by customers of several housekeeping contractors infringed the right to respect for private life provided for in Article 5 of the Quebec Charter of human rights and freedoms (the “Quebec Charter“)[1]. However, in light of Article 9.1 of the Charter, Arbitrator Nadeau held that
Practice Area
Labour Law
Manitoba Court of Appeal finds that legislation temporarily preventing collective bargaining on wages is constitutional
November 22, 2021
In Manitoba Federation of Labour et al v. The Government of Manitoba, the Manitoba Court of Appeal held that the province’s public sector wage restraint legislation did not violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the “Charter”). In deciding as such, the Court of Appeal overturned a ruling by the Court of Queen’s Bench. Under the leadership of
Practice Area
Labour Law
Arbitrator Strikes Down Mandatory Vaccination And Disclosure Policy
November 12, 2021
In a decision released on November 11, 2021, Arbitrator John Stout allowed a grievance filed by the Power Workers’ Union (the “PWU”) against the Electrical Safety Authority (the “ESA”) challenging a mandatory vaccination and disclosure policy. In September 2021, the ESA adopted a voluntary vaccination disclosure and testing policy (the “Voluntary Policy”) that allowed employees
Practice Area
Labour Law
Ontario Court lifts interim injunction against the termination of unvaccinated UHN employees
November 4, 2021
The University of Health Network’s (“UHN”) mandatory vaccination policy required all of its more than 17,000 employees to be fully vaccinated or face termination of their employment, commencing October 22, 2021. Justice Sean Dunphy of the Ontario Superior Court issued an interim injunction on October 22, 2021, in response to a motion brought by several
Practice Area
Labour Law
Big Changes Proposed for the Employment Standards Act, 2000
November 2, 2021
On October 25, 2021, the Government of Ontario introduced Bill 27, Working for Workers Act, 2021 (“Bill 27”) to amend, among other things, the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA“). If passed, Bill 27 and the amendments it includes, would significantly alter the employer-employee relationship. The changes proposed by Bill 27 include: New Part VII.0.1 – Right to Disconnect
Practice Area
Labour Law
Expertise
Employment Law
Where to Go for Workplace Justice?
October 29, 2021
Is labour arbitration the only avenue for unionized employees to seek redress for human rights violations? This issue—arbitral jurisdiction vis-à-vis the jurisdiction of other courts and tribunals to hear disputes in unionized workplaces—has been the subject of considerable legal debate. In Linda Horrocks v Northern Regional Health Authority, the SCC recently held that, absent legislative intention
Practice Area
Labour Law
Ontario Court issues interim injunction against the termination of unvaccinated UHN employees*
October 29, 2021
*The injunction described below was lifted on Oct. 29, 2021. We will provide an update shortly. On October 22, 2021, the Ontario Superior Court issued an interim injunction, temporarily halting an attempt by the University of Health Network (“UHN”) to terminate its unvaccinated employees. The injunction was granted in response to an urgent motion brought
Practice Area
Labour Law
Arbitrator Upholds Mandatory COVID-19 Testing
August 6, 2021
A recent arbitral decision, EllisDon Construction Ltd. v Labourers’ International Union of North America, Local 183, may provide some needed insight into how arbitrators will consider workplace policies mandating COVID-19 testing and/or vaccinations for its employees. In a decision released June 10, 2021, Arbitrator Robert Kitchen dismissed a grievance filed by LIUNA Local 183 in which the
Practice Area
Labour Law
Arbitrator Determines Cell Tracking App Contrary to Employee Privacy Interests
July 28, 2021
In a decision released May 15, 2021, Arbitrator Derek Rogers upheld grievances concerning an employer’s implementation of a phone application entitled “Exak Time.” Grievances were filed by both IUOE Local 793 and LIUNA 183. Both unions challenged the employer’s implementation of the app, which required clocking in and clocking out via mobile phone. The ExakTime
Practice Area
Labour Law
Ontario’s Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission Releases its Final Report
June 23, 2021
The current COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact within the province of Ontario. The residents and staff of long-term care homes have been among those most affected by COVID-19. By the end of April 2021, the pandemic had caused the deaths of approximately 4000 residents and 11 staff at long-term care facilities.[1] Although long-term
Practice Area
Labour Law
British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal dismisses a complaint alleging that a mandatory requirement to wear a mask in a grocery store was discriminatory
April 29, 2021
The British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal (the “Tribunal”) recently dismissed a complaint which alleged that it was discriminatory for a grocery store to refuse to allow a customer to enter without wearing a mask. In a decision dated March 31, 2021, The Customer v. The Store, 2021 BCHRT 39 (CanLII) the Tribunal dismissed the complaint without
Practice Area
Labour Law
Face Masks: Personal Objections to Wearing Face Coverings does not Trigger the duty to Accommodate in Ontario
April 6, 2021
In Sharma v. Toronto (City), 2020 HRTO 949 (CanLII), the Applicant alleged that By-Law 541-2020 (the “By-Law”), which requires businesses and other establishments that are open to the public to adopt a policy that members of the public are not permitted entry to, or otherwise remain within, any enclosed space unless they are wearing a
Practice Area
Labour Law
Expertise
Employment Law
OLRB clarifies the scope of the precautionary principle in the context of the pandemic
March 22, 2021
The Ontario Labour Relations Board has clarified the scope of the precautionary principle, both generally and in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, in its recent decision Liquor Control Board of Ontario v Ontario Public Service Employees Union, 2021 CanLII 15607 (“LCBO“). In this decision, the Board reaffirmed that compliance with the precautionary principle may
Practice Area
Labour Law
Arbitrator Confirms Privacy Safeguards Protecting Health Records in the Grievance Process
February 3, 2021
A recent decision provides a caution concerning the proper treatment of medical information in the grievance process. In Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital v Ontario Public Service Employees’ Union, Local 383, Arbitrator Randi Abramsky determined that the hospital violated the Personal Health Information Protection Act (“PHIPA”), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) the hospital’s own
Practice Area
Labour Law
Expertise
Privacy and Compliance
Arbitrator Upholds Mandatory COVID-19 Testing in the Workplace for Retirement Home Workers
January 21, 2021
Facts In June 2020, Caressant Care Nursing & Retirement Homes (the “Employer”) advised its staff that it would begin conducting bi-weekly COVID-19 testing and would begin to require proof of testing before an employee could return to work. When several staff members complained, the Employer advised its employees that if they chose not to comply
Practice Area
Labour Law
Further amendments to the Stage 1 Rules affecting the construction industry
January 18, 2021
As we continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation as well as the Government’s response and the current emergency declaration, we want to advise that there have been further changes to O. Reg. 82/20: RULES FOR AREAS IN STAGE 1 to the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020. O. Reg. 82/20: RULES
Practice Area
Labour Law
The Ontario Government issues a second COVID-19 emergency declaration and a stay-at-home order
January 18, 2021
On January 12, 2021, the Ontario Government issued a second state of emergency declaration under s. 7.0.1(1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (the “EMCPA“) in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Under the EMCPA the emergency declaration will automatically terminate after 14 days unless it is extended (or terminated early). As part
Practice Area
Labour Law
Mireille Giroux and Katherine Ferreira to Teach at Osgoode Hall Law School
December 23, 2020
Mireille Giroux and Katherine Ferreira will be teaching the Collective Bargaining Law Course at Osgoode Hall Law School, for the 2021 winter term.
Practice Area
Labour Law
Lesa MacDonald has assumed the role of Counsel in the Pensions and Benefits Department
December 1, 2020
We are pleased to announce that, effective December 1, 2020, Lesa MacDonald has assumed the role of Counsel in the Pensions and Benefits Department of Koskie Minsky LLP. In her new role, Lesa will be taking on additional senior-level client relationship management responsibilities. She will continue her legal advisory work for clients of the Pension and
Practice Area
Pension and Benefits, Labour Law
Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeal Tribunal Bars Constructive Dismissal Action
November 18, 2020
Facts The complaining Employee was employed as a housekeeper at a hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario where she was allegedly harassed and taunted by her colleagues and supervisor for having an unpleasant odour and for other matters related to a diagnosed medical condition. While still working at the hotel, the Employee filed a human rights
Practice Area
Labour Law
Fraser v. Canada (Attorney General): Supreme Court of Canada rules that RCMP pension plan discriminates against women, breaches section 15 of the Charter
October 23, 2020
On October 16, 2020, the Supreme Court of Canada (the “Court”) ruled that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (“RCMP”) pension plan breaches section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (“Charter”) on the ground of sex and perpetuates discrimination against women by precluding members who participate in job-sharing arrangements from purchasing full-time pension
Practice Area
Labour Law
Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal Releases Best Practices Guidelines for Teleconference Hearings
May 25, 2020
Effective June 8, 2020, all in-person hearings scheduled before the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) will be converted to teleconference hearings unless the Scheduling Administration Manager is satisfied that another alternative hearing method is appropriate. If a party objects to proceeding by teleconference, their objection will be addressed by the Vice-Chair or Panel
Practice Area
Labour Law
Federal Wage Subsidy Backgrounder
May 12, 2020
Union locals, pension funds, and employee benefit funds may be eligible for the Temporary Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy in their capacity as employers. Employers will generally be eligible for the Temporary Wage Subsidy (TWS) if they have one or more employees and had a business number for the purpose of making
Practice Area
Labour Law
Hearings still “ZOOM-ing” along
April 27, 2020
Recent decisions from Ontario labour tribunals show that hearings can, in some cases, proceed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has prevented public gatherings from taking place, preventing parties to disputes from appearing in person before a decision maker in order to have their matters resolved. However, a few recent decisions indicate that arbitrators and
Practice Area
Labour Law
WSIB – Employer Relief Package
April 13, 2020
As part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (“WSIB”) has announced a relief package allowing employers to defer premium reporting and payments until August 31, 2020. The WSIB has also announced that the costs for COVID-19 claims will be allocated on a Schedule-wide basis, and will not result
Practice Area
Labour Law
Operations at the WSIB and the WSIAT
April 3, 2020
Both the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) have modified their services in response to the COVID-19 crisis. WSIB The WSIB’s offices are closed and they are not accepting any mail or deliveries. Their phone lines are open Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
Practice Area
Labour Law
WSIB Policy on Claims due to COVID-19
April 1, 2020
On March 23, 2020 the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) issued a policy document outlining their approach to claims for occupational exposure to COVID-19. The policy states that, like other WSIB claims, the WSIB will adjudicate COVID-19 claims on a case-by-case basis “based on the merits and justice of the case, taking into account
Practice Area
Labour Law
COVID-19: Employment-Related FAQ’s for Trade Unions and Their Members
March 26, 2020
This document is intended to provide general information during the COVID-19 pandemic and should not be construed as legal advice. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on unions and workers —both in terms of the public health crisis itself and the regulatory response to it—is changing rapidly and we will provide updated information as it
Practice Area
Labour Law
Labour Board Rules that Foodora Couriers are Dependent Contractors and Can Unionize
February 27, 2020
In a highly anticipated decision, Canadian Union of Postal Workers v. Foodora Inc., the Ontario Labour Relations Board has ruled that Foodora couriers are dependent contractors and therefore have a right to seek certification. On July 31st, 2019, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (“CUPW”) filed an Application for Certification on behalf of couriers in
Practice Area
Labour Law
Understanding Bill 124: The Government’s Control Mechanism for Public-Sector Salaries
January 29, 2020
On November 8, 2019, the Ontario legislature passed Bill 124. Bill 124 is aimed at the broader public sector, including: hospitals, crown agencies, school boards, universities, colleges, long term care homes, ornge, children’s aid societies, and other boards, corporations, offices or organizations that do not carry on activities for the purpose of gain or profit
Practice Area
Labour Law
Koskie Minsky LLP Is a Proud Supporter of the Labour Movement
August 30, 2019
As Labour Day approaches, it is important and timely to remember the many positive contributions of trade unions and their members. Like many of our other trade union clients, LIUNA Local 506 has a longstanding program of awarding scholarships and bursaries to the children of its members in order that they can continue their education.
Practice Area
Labour Law
KM Labour Lawyers at the Six Minute Labour Lawyer Program
March 15, 2019
Craig Flood is once again co-chairing the Law Society of Ontario’s Six Minute Labour Lawyer Presentation on June 20, 2019. Ernie Schirru will be one of the presenters and will be speaking on Bill 66, the recent labour legislation introduced by the Ontario Government. For more information about the Program, please click here.
Practice Area
Labour Law
Craig Flood to Speak at the OBA Young Lawyers Session on Labour Law Essentials
March 15, 2019
Craig Flood will be speaking at the OBA Young Lawyers Session on Labour Law Essentials on March 27, 2019. To view the Program agenda, please click here.
Practice Area
Labour Law
Uber Class Action Back in Gear
January 22, 2019
In the Ontario Court of Appeal’s first decision of the year, Heller v Uber, 2019 ONCA 1, the court held that an arbitration clause in the terms that individual drivers are required to “accept” to become drivers for Uber breached the prohibition on contracting out of the Employment Standards Act (ESA), and was otherwise unconscionable
Practice Area
Labour Law
Ford Government Pre-Emptively Removes Power Workers’ Right to Strike with Bill 67
December 21, 2018
On December 20, 2018, the Ontario Progressive-Conservative government passed Bill 67 at third reading, a piece of special legislation preventing a strike by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) workers across the province. The legislation received Royal Assent the same day and is now in force. The Power Workers’ Union (PWU) represents approximately 6,000 workers employed by
Practice Area
Labour Law
Ford Government Tables Bill 66
December 11, 2018
Last week, the Ford Government tabled the Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2018, more commonly known as Bill 66. Debate on the Bill will not begin until February 19, 2019, but given the substantial PC majority in the House, it is likely that some version of the Bill will receive Royal Assent in the spring of
Practice Area
Labour Law
Arbitrator finds that employer discriminated against employee with respect to the administration of diabetes related care
December 10, 2018
In a recent decision, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 636 v. Tyco Integrated Fire and Security Canada Inc, Arbitrator Laura Trachuk found that an employer discriminated against an employee by requiring him to go to a separate area within the workplace to self-administer medical care related to Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is
Practice Area
Labour Law
Bill 47 Changes to Ontario Labour and Employment Legislation Have Now Passed
November 30, 2018
Summary and Overview On October 23, 2018, the Ontario government tabled Bill 47, Making Ontario Open for Business Act, for first reading in the legislature. On November 21, 2018, Bill 47 passed third reading, and received Royal Assent the same day. Bill 47 has made many important changes to various pieces of legislation governing employment
Practice Area
Labour Law
Bill 47 Proposes Significant Changes to Ontario Labour and Employment Legislation
October 24, 2018
Summary and Overview On October 23, 2018, the Ontario government tabled Bill 47, Making Ontario Open for Business Act, for first reading in the legislature. Bill 47 makes many important changes to various pieces of legislation governing employment and labour relations in Ontario, principally the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”) and the Labour Relations Act,
Practice Area
Labour Law
Broader Federal Jurisdiction Over Labour Relations Connected to Federal Undertaking
October 22, 2018
In 2015, the Labourers’ International Union Of North America, Ontario Provincial District Council filed an application for certification against Ramkey Communications Inc. (“Ramkey”), which employed construction employees that installed, maintained, and repaired portions of telecommunications networks. At the time the application was filed, almost all of Ramkey’s work was performed for Rogers. Telecommunications companies, like
Practice Area
Labour Law
OHRC Releases Annual Report
September 6, 2018
On June 30, 2018 the Ontario Human Rights Commission (the “OHRC”) released its Annual Report, entitled Impact today, investment for tomorrow. The report tracks the steps taken by the OHRC from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018, to fulfil the commitments made in their 2017-2022 Strategic Plan. The report focuses on four main areas
Practice Area
Labour Law
US Supreme Court Rules Against Mandatory Public Sector Union Fees
July 23, 2018
“. . . the majority has chosen the winners by turning the First Amendment into a sword, and using it against workaday economic and regulatory policy . . . The First Amendment was meant for better things. It was not meant to undermine but to protect democratic governance – including over the role of public-sector
Practice Area
Labour Law
Issues over Personal Emergency Leave and Personal Emergency Pay Resolved by Labour Board
July 9, 2018
As many readers are already aware, the new Personal Emergency Leave provisions in s. 50 of the Employment Standards Act, as well as the provisions in the Regulations that provide an exemption to construction employers allowing them to pay .8% of an employee’s hourly rate or wages (“Personal Emergency Pay”) in lieu of providing paid
Practice Area
Labour Law
The Supreme Court of Canada Affirms Deference to Administrative Tribunals that Engage Charter Rights
July 3, 2018
In Law Society of British Columbia v Trinity Western University[1] and a companion appeal, Trinity Western University v Law Society of Upper Canada,[2] the majority of the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed the appropriate test for reviewing the decisions of administrative tribunals that engage rights found in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This
Practice Area
Labour Law
What Will the Provincial Election Mean for Labour and Employment Law?
May 22, 2018
Ontarians head to the polls on June 7th, and the results could mean big changes for labour and employment law. While the Liberals are promising to maintain the status quo, the Progressive Conservatives are taking aim at future increases to the minimum wage and the NDP hopes to make sweeping changes to both the labour
Practice Area
Labour Law
“Suspicionless” Drug Testing Policy Unreasonable
May 10, 2018
On January 23, 2018, a senior British Columbia arbitrator, John Kinzie, released a significant decision concerning random drug and alcohol testing in unionized workplaces. The decision, USW Locals 7884 and 9346 v. Teck Coal Ltd.[1] followed the ruling of the Supreme Court of Canada in Irving Pulp and Paper[2], and built upon on the arbitral
Practice Area
Labour Law
Andrea Bowker of Koskie Minsky LLP to become solicitor at Ontario Labour Relations Board
May 1, 2018
Koskie Minsky LLP is pleased to congratulate Andrea Bowker on her acceptance of the position of Solicitor at the Ontario Labour Relations Board. Andrea has been a valued member of the Firm’s Labour Law group since 2012 and will bring 22 years of labour law experience, both in private practice and as in-house counsel, to
Practice Area
Labour Law
Labourers’ International Union of North America, Ontario Provincial District Council, Applicant v. Govan Brown & Associates Limited et. al.
March 29, 2018
For decades, the Ontario Labour Relations Board has considered only the wishes of those persons employed in the bargaining unit on the date of application in construction industry proceedings. “Steady eddies”, disabled employees, and others who are absent from work on the date of application for any number of reasons are thereby excluded from the
Practice Area
Labour Law
Applications for Employee Lists: A Strategic Organizing Tool
March 22, 2018
Recent amendments to the Ontario Labour Relations Act, added after the passage of Bill 148, have created a new tool for trade unions to assist with their organizing campaigns. Unions can now make an application to the Labour Relations Board for an order requiring an employer to provide a list of its employees to the
Practice Area
Labour Law
CBC Ideas Broadcasts the Koskie Minsky University Lecture on Labour Law
December 6, 2017
On December 5th, 2017, the National CBC Radio Program Ideas broadcast “Precarious Work – the End of the Company Job”, featuring the 9th Koskie Minsky University Lecture on Labour Law, which was delivered at Western University, London Ontario on November 3, 2017 by Dr. David Weil, the incoming Dean of the Heller School for Social
Practice Area
Labour Law
Mireille Giroux to Speak at the Lancaster House Workplace Safety and Insurance Conference
October 13, 2017
Mireille Giroux will be speaking at the Lancaster House Workplace Safety and Insurance Conference on October 13th. The Conference will take place at the Sheraton Hotel in Toronto. Mireille will be participating in a panel discussion about Suitable Modified Work: Applying the WSIA and Human Rights Code criteria.
Practice Area
Labour Law
Koskie Minsky Labour Lawyers to Participate in 8th Biennial Construction Labour Relations Conference
November 6, 2017 - November 7, 2017
Several Koskie Minsky Labour Lawyers will be speakers at the 8th Biennial Construction Labour Relations Conference on November 6-7, 2017. The conference will take place at the Old Mill Hotel and Spa in Toronto. Alan Minsky, who also co-chairs the conference will be speaking on “When – and Why –Do You Need a Project Agreement
Practice Area
Labour Law
Bill C-4 Restores Card-Based Certification for Workplaces Under Federal Jurisdiction, Removes Certain Financial Disclosure Obligations on Trade Unions
June 22, 2017
Overview The Parliament of Canada recently passed Bill C-4, which contains two important changes of which trade unions should take note. The legislation received Royal Assent on June 19, 2017, meaning it is now law. The first change concerns certification rules for unions seeking to represent employees under federal jurisdiction, where card-based certification is restored
Practice Area
Labour Law
KM Labour Lawyers at the Six-Minute Labour Lawyer Program
May 26, 2016
Craig Flood will co-chair the Six-Minute Labour Lawyer Program with Jodi Gallagher Healy on May 26, 2016. Craig will also be moderating the Professionalism and Ethics Session along with Ms. Gallagher Healy. Katherine Ferreira will be speaking on the topic of “Effective Remedies for Breach of Privacy.” The Program will take place in Toronto at
Practice Area
Labour Law
KM Labour Lawyers at The Six-Minute Labour Lawyer Program
June 5, 2015
Craig Flood will co-chair and speak at The Six-Minute Labour Law Program on June 5, 2015. Craig will discuss “Civility and the Limits to Vigorous Representation”. Ernie Schirru will discuss “What is Inappropriate Employer Speech under s.11 of the Labour Relations Act?” The Program will take place in Toronto at The Law Society of Upper
Practice Area
Labour Law
Andrea Bowker to Speak at the OBA Labour Law Essentials Program
October 14, 2014 - October 14, 2014
Andrea Bowker will be speaking at the OBA Professional Development Program “Labour Law Essentials” on Wednesday October 15, 2014. The program will take place at Twenty Toronto Street Conference and Events, 20 Toronto Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto. Andrea will speak on “Exploring Common Proceedings before the Ontario Labour Relations Board.”
Practice Area
Labour Law
Andrea Bowker to Speak at the Canadian Labour Board Law & Construction Industry Labour Law Conferences
October 20, 2014 - October 21, 2014
Andrea Bowker will be speaking at the Canadian Labour Board Law & Construction Industry Labour Law Conferences on October 22, 2014. The conferences will take place at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. Andrea will be part of a panel discussing “The Impact of the Metron Case on Health and Safety Prosecutions and Other Major Caselaw Developments.”
Practice Area
Labour Law
Craig Flood to Speak on “When Worlds Collide: Navigating the Intersection Between Workers Compensation and Human Rights Law”
September 30, 2014 - September 30, 2014
Craig Flood will be speaking at the Canadian Bar Association program entitled “When Worlds Collide: Navigating the Intersection Between Workers’ Compensation and Human Rights Law” on October 1st, 2014. The Program will take place at Twenty Toronto Street Conferences and Events from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Practice Area
Labour Law
Expertise
Workers' Compensation
KM Labour Lawyers to Participate in Lancaster’s Health and Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Conference
November 3, 2014 - November 4, 2014
Laurie Kent will co-chair Lancaster’s Health and Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Conference on November 4-5, 2014. Michael Hancock will speak on “A Fireable Offence? Imposing discipline for health and safety violations”. The Conference will take place in Toronto at the Westin Harbour Castle.
Practice Area
Labour Law
Craig Flood to Speak at the Current Issues in Workplace Safety and Insurance Law Program
May 27, 2014 - May 27, 2014
Craig Flood will be speaking at the Ontario Bar Association’s Professional Development program entitled “Current Issues in Workplace Safety and Insurance Law” on Wednesday May 28, 2014. Craig will be discussing “Effective Tools for Representing Parties at Hearings”.
Practice Area
Labour Law
Koskie Minsky University Lecture in Labour Law, University of Western Ontario
November 25, 2013
The Koskie Minsky University Lecture in Labour Law was held at Western University, in London Ontario on Friday October 25, 2013. Our Lecturer was Mr. Justice Thomas Cromwell of the Supreme Court of Canada. This was the Eighth Koskie Minsky Lecture, with the Lecture Series starting in 2003. Mr. Justice Cromwell’s Lecture was delivered to
Practice Area
Labour Law
Koskie Minsky University Lecture in Labour Law, University of Western Ontario – SAVE THE DATE
October 17, 2013
On October 25th and 26th, 2013, the Faculty of Law at the University of Western Ontario, Koskie Minsky LLP and Heenan Blaikie LLP are co-hosting a Lecture and Conference on the theme of Rights at Work. All events will be held at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. The 8th Koskie Minsky University
Practice Area
Labour Law
Michael Hancock to Speak at the Post-Conference Workshop: Exploring New Territory
December 11, 2013 - December 11, 2013
Michael Hancock will be speaking at the Post-Conference Workshop “Exploring New Territory: Arbitrating stress, bullying and other health and safety issues.” The workshop takes place on Thursday, December 12th, and will held at The Westin Harbour Castle Hotel.
Practice Area
Labour Law
Laurie Kent to Speak at the Lancaster House Workplace Safety and Insurance Conference
October 7, 2013 - October 7, 2013
Laurie Kent will be speaking at the Lancaster House Workplace Safety and Insurance Conference on October 9th. Laurie will be a panellist discussing the latest developments in Workplace Safety and Insurance case law at the Tribunal and Court level.
Practice Area
Labour Law
Craig Flood to Speak at the University of Western Ontario Labour Law Conference
October 24, 2013 - October 25, 2013
Craig Flood of Koskie Minsky LLP’s Labour Group will be speaking at the Heenan Blaikie Labour Law Conference, to be held at Western University, London, Ontario, on Saturday, October 26, 2013. The Conference, presented by the Faculty of Law, Western University and the national law firm of Heenan Blaikie, is part of a weekend of
Practice Area
Labour Law
Andrea Bowker to Speak at The 2013 Six-Minute Labour Lawyer Conference
June 12, 2013 - June 12, 2013
Andrea Bowker will be speaking at the 2013 Six-Minute Labour Lawyer Conference on June 13, 2013. The Conference will be held at the Donald Lamont Learning Centre, The Law Society of Upper Canada 130 Queen St. W., Toronto. Andrea’s topic for discussion is “Settlement Issues”.
Practice Area
Labour Law
Andrea Bowker to Speak at the Construction Industry Labour Law Conference
October 22, 2013 - October 22, 2013
Andrea Bowker will be speaking at the Construction Industry Labour Law Conference at The King Edward Hotel on October 23, 2013. Andrea will be part of a panel that will review the top ten recent decisions delivered by Canadian arbitrators, courts and tribunals that directly apply to the construction industry.
Practice Area
Labour Law
KM Ranked Among Top-Rated Toronto Labour and Pension Law Firms, including Employment Law – Lexpert®
July 17, 2013
Koskie Minsky has consistently ranked among the top-rated Toronto Labour and Pension Law firms, according to the 2013 Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada. Practice groups included in this category are Labour Relations (Construction Sector), Employment Law, Labour Relations, Occupational Health & Safety, Pensions & Employee Benefits, and Workers’ Compensation. The
Practice Area
Labour Law
Expertise
Employment Law
David Rosenfeld interviewed by CBC on the upcoming class action trial regarding the Huronia Regional Centre
June 3, 2013
Practice Area
Labour Law
Alirio Uribe Munoz Discusses Labour Relations in Colombia
December 10, 2012
On behalf of the Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers, Koskie Minsky LLP hosted internationally-renowned labour and human rights lawyer Alirio Uribe Munoz for a meeting and presentation on labour relations in Colombia. Mr. Uribe spoke on the extreme conditions trade unionists and lawyers face in attempting to defend basic workers’ rights, and the relationship to
Practice Area
Labour Law
Koskie Minsky LLP to Host Continuing Professional Development Seminar on November 2, 2012
November 2, 2012 - November 2, 2012
Koskie Minsky LLP will host a Continuing Professional Development Seminar on November 2, 2012 at the Chestnut Conference Centre – University Of Toronto, 89 Chestnut Street, Toronto, Ontario from 9:00 am. to 1:00 pm. The Program is designed to be of assistance to members of the profession who may be required to act on behalf of
Practice Area
Class Actions
KM at the OBA’s Labour Relations: Important Updates in the Law Governing Unionized Workplaces Conference
September 19, 2012 - September 19, 2012
Our Ernie Schirru is Co-Chairing an OBA conference for labour practitioners on September 20, 2012, discussing developments and issues in unionized workplaces. Our Elizabeth Mitchell, as a panellist, will comment on practice and procedure before the Ontario Labour Relations Board. 20 Toronto Street, 2nd floor, 8:50am to 1:00pm. The Law Society has recognized this conference
Practice Area
Labour Law
Twelve KM Lawyers and Five KM Practice Areas Listed in The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2012
May 28, 2012
Koskie Minsky LLP is pleased to announce that 12 of the Firm’s lawyers were chosen by their fellow professionals to be listed in the 2012 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory compiles lists of outstanding professionals by conducting peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their
Practice Area
Class Actions
Expertise
Workers' Compensation
Michael Hancock to Speak at The Six-Minute Labour Lawyer 2012 Conference
June 11, 2012 - June 11, 2012
Michael Hancock will be speaking at The Six-Minute Labour Lawyer 2012 Conference on June 12, 2012. The conference will be held at the Donald Lamont Learning Centre located at 130 Queen Street West. Michael’s topic for the conference will be “Theft at work: when and why should an employee get another chance?”
Practice Area
Labour Law
Koskie Minsky University Lecture in Labour Law, University of Western Ontario – SAVE THE DATE
March 1, 2012 - March 2, 2012
Koskie Minsky LLP is proud to once again sponsor the Koskie Minsky University Lecture in Labour Law, to be held at the University of Western Ontario on Friday March 2, 2012. Our 2012 Lecturer will be Wilma Liebman, former Chair of the National Labour Relations Board, who will be speaking on “Labour Law, Economic Justice
Practice Area
Labour Law
Craig Flood to Speak at the Ontario Labour Management Arbitration Association Annual Dinner
November 17, 2011 - November 17, 2011
Craig Flood will speak at the Ontario Labour Management Arbitration Association (OLMAA) Annual Dinner on November 17, 2011 as part of a panel of experienced union and management counsel addressing what the parties need and want from Arbitrators.
Practice Area
Labour Law
Ernie Schirru will be Vice Chair on the OBA Labour and Employment Law Executive
May 5, 2011
We are pleased to announce that Ernie Schirru of our Labour Department will be Vice Chair – Labour for the OBA Labour and Employment Law Section Executive for the 2011-2012 term.
Practice Area
Labour Law
Ernie Schirru a panellist and speaker at OBA’s Young Lawyers Division seminar entitled “Fundamentals of Employment Law”.
September 20, 2010 - September 20, 2010
Ernie Schirru of our Labour Department will be a panellist and delivering a paper relating to constructive dismissal for the OBA Young Lawyers Division half-day seminar entitled “Fundamentals of Employment Law” which is scheduled to take place Tuesday, September 21, 2010 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the OBA Conference Centre in Toronto.
Practice Area
Labour Law
KM Number One Labour Relations and Pension Law Firm Lexpert®
February 1, 2010
For the second consecutive year Koskie Minsky ranks as the top-rated Toronto Labour and Pension Law firm, according to the 2010 Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada. Practice groups included in this category are Labour Relations (Construction Sector), Employment Law, Labour Law, Occupational Health & Safety, Pensions & Employee Benefits, and
Practice Area
Labour Law
KM Lawyers Top in Their Fields
January 2, 2010
Koskie Minsky partners are consistently recommended among the top lawyers in Canada in their respective fields by Lexpert® . The 2010 Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada lists four Koskie Minsky partners acknowledged by their peers as among the top lawyers in Canada: Kirk M. Baert – Class Action Litigation Bernie
Practice Area
Class Actions
2009 Koskie Minsky University Lecture in Labour Law
November 10, 2009
On October 30, 2009, Koskie Minsky once again sponsored the 2009 University Lecture in Labour Law at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. The Honourable Madam Justice Rosalie Abella of the Supreme Court of Canada spoke to an audience of 140 people which included lawyers, judges, professors and students, in commemoration of
Practice Area
Labour Law