Professional sports leagues, film and television production companies, major theatre and performing arts centres, and other talent-driven businesses deal with a number of challenges including hiring top talent, managing labour disputes, investigating and addressing allegations of sexual harassment and workplace violence, and managing workplace safety and preventing injuries.
These industries also involve complex partnerships between international operators, government agencies, Crown corporations, and public and private companies. At Hicks Morley, we understand the unique complexities affecting arts, entertainment and sports organizations and can tailor solutions to meet your needs on a full range of human resources issues.
Clients
We are a strategic legal partner for many clients in this sector including:
- international, national, provincial and local professional sports leagues (major and minor)
- professional and amateur teams and clubs at all levels of competition
- recreational sports facilities and associations
- film and television productions and studios
- video game developers
- venues for the performing arts
- theatre and ballet companies
- art galleries and arts councils
Services
Drawing upon the full breadth of our labour and employment expertise, our service offerings include advice and representation relating to:
- collective bargaining negotiations and the interpretation of collective agreements
- drafting, reviewing and negotiating employment contracts for top talent
- guild and union agreements
- production compliance with guild agreements and cast riders
- dispute resolution and crisis management advice
- health and safety issues
- Section 21 safety guidelines for the film and television industry
- guidance regarding Safe Sport (UCCMS) complaints and interpretation
- employee misconduct, suspensions and terminations
- litigation including class actions, wrongful dismissal claims, and pension and benefits disputes
- training on human rights and accommodation, respect in the workplace, and workplace investigations
- privacy issues and digital rights management
- workers’ compensation claims and appeals
- corporate governance
We represent our clients in a variety of forums, appearing before arbitrators, labour boards, human rights tribunals, courts of law, and other administrative bodies.