Employment and Labour
Our employment and labour lawyers have extensive experience in the many aspects of labour and employment law and work closely with owners and managers of businesses of all sizes to fully understand their needs and to develop strategies designed to allow them to manage their workplace and human resources efficiently and effectively. Our clients include a wide variety of employers, unionized and non-unionized, as well as a number of recruiting, staffing and executive search companies, all of whom are regularly in need of timely and proactive advice on a wide range of employment issues. In addition to our corporate clients, we counsel and represent individuals on employment negotiations and disputes.
Our services include:
Commercial Transactions
We regularly advise clients involved in a variety of commercial transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, and insolvency-related transactions, on the employment issues arising out of those transactions. Our expertise includes:
- performance of all necessary due diligence relating to employment matters
- advising on appropriate strategies to deal with employment-related issues
- addressing successor employer issues
- advising on notice and procedural requirements for lay-offs, terminations or changes to terms of employment
- drafting and negotiating all employment-related agreements for the transaction
Employment Contracts
We regularly assist in the negotiation and preparation of employment contracts for all levels of employees, from senior executives to part-time staff. Depending on the needs of the client, contracts may contain provisions relating to confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation, rights to intellectual property and work product, termination, and other clauses.
Employment Litigation
Our lawyers have a great deal of experience representing clients before various levels of courts, tribunals, and in arbitrations in all types of employment-related disputes and litigation, including wrongful dismissal claims and breach of confidentiality and non-competition provisions.
Employment Standards
Provincial and federal (Canada Labour Code) employment standards legislation sets out minimum entitlements for employees in areas such as wage rates, overtime pay, vacation entitlements, and holiday pay. In addition, this legislation imposes obligations on employers in connection with business closures, business sales, and other employment termination events. We regularly advise clients on their obligations and entitlements under employment standards legislation.
Human Rights
Our lawyers regularly advise clients on human rights issues in the workplace. We assist clients with the investigation and resolution of human rights claims and harassment disputes and act as counsel for employers through litigation, including appearances before human rights tribunals.
Human Resources Support Services
In addition to providing regular, ongoing advice to human resource professionals on all aspects of the employment relationship, our lawyers also provide additional support services to help employers manage their human resources and to comply with applicable legislation. Our services in this area include:
- arranging and speaking at clients' human resource seminars on subjects relating to employment practices, human rights and harassment, workplace safety, and other regulatory issues
- assisting clients with the preparation of employment policies, manuals, and employee handbooks
Labour Relations
We represent employers whose employees are covered by collective agreements, advising them on union certifications and de-certifications, grievances, disciplinary measures, actual and constructive dismissals, plant closures, collective agreement negotiations, strikes and lock-outs, and sales of businesses.
Termination of Employment
We advise clients on matters relating to termination of employment, including wrongful dismissal claims. By providing ongoing advice to management throughout the employment relationship, we are able to help develop strategies and practices that can minimize the risk of wrongful dismissal suits. Our experience also enables us to provide individuals with insightful guidance on how best to succeed in employment negotiations and wrongful dismissal suits.
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