Ongoing representation of municipalities in grievance arbitration regarding benefit administration and eligibility in the fire sector.
Work
We offer legal services that include advice, courtroom and tribunal advocacy, negotiation, alternative dispute resolution, policy development and strategic planning. Below are examples of work we have performed for our clients.
Successfully argued the leading case involving the accommodation of pregnant firefighters on 24-hour shifts (disability and family status accommodation), establishing that firefighters must remain able to perform the essential duties of the emergency response position.
Successfully argued that, in meeting its obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and collective agreement provisions regarding health and safety, the employer (paramedic service) was correct in exercising its management rights to determine the appropriate safety equipment to be utilized.
Successfully argued to uphold the termination of a firefighter for serious misconduct related to pornography in the workplace by establishing that, notwithstanding expert evidence to establish that the grievor suffered from a disability, there was no clear connection between the disability and the workplace misconduct sufficient to overturn the termination of employment.
Successfully represented a municipality at rights arbitration involving complex scheduling issues.
Represented a municipal employer in a grievance arbitration to have a grievance challenging the scope of the bargaining unit dismissed.
Successfully represented a municipality in a judicial review application to challenge sanctions imposed on a city councillor.
Upheld decision of fire department to downstaff when too many firefighters called in sick.
Successfully defended a paramedic service against union grievances alleging that the employer breached its backfilling requirements under the collective agreement.
Provided strategic advice to school board clients during in-camera board meetings, and to municipal clients during closed-session council meetings.