TTC “Essential Service” Legislation to be Introduced

On February 22, 2011, the Ontario government announced plans to introduce the Toronto Transit Commission Labour Disputes Resolution Act, 2011, legislation designating the Toronto Transit Commission an essential service. The legislation, if passed, would provide for binding arbitration by a neutral third party where a collective agreement cannot be reached through bargaining, effectively banning strikes…

Responding to Disclosure Demands at the Bargaining Table: Employer Rights and Obligations

Many Social Services organizations will be negotiating for the renewal of their collective agreements in 2011. Some of our clients have advised us that they have received broad disclosure requests from unions well in advance of actual bargaining. These requests are very similar to requests a number of Social Services organizations received in early 2009….

Craig Rix Quoted in Globe and Mail Newspaper

Hicks Morley’s Craig Rix was quoted in the December 7, 2010 edition of Globe and Mail Newspaper, in an article entitled “Betting the farm on a Charter ruling.” Craig comments on the possible labour relations implications arising out of a Supreme Court decision due out soon. View Article

Arbitrator Upholds Right of Fire Department to Alter Service Levels During Statutory Freeze

On November 8, 2010, Arbitrator Chauvin issued a significant award which confirmed a fire department’s right to manage its operations by determining staffing levels. Arbitrator Chauvin also concluded that the statutory freeze imposed by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (“FPPA“) preserved this right and permitted the City to make changes to service levels…

Kathryn Meehan Quoted in HR Professional Magazine

Hicks Morley’s Kathryn Meehan was quoted in the October 4, 2010 edition of HR Professional Magazine in an article entitled “HR 101 – Responding to Union Mobilization”. In the article Kathryn discusses legal issues associated with union organizing drives. View Article

Municipal Elections 2010: Employers’ Obligation to Provide Paid Time Off to Vote

Province-wide municipal elections will be held on October 25, 2010, and voting hours will run from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, all employees who are eligible to vote in the election are entitled to three consecutive hours during voting hours on election day to cast their vote. To be…

Hicks Morley Ranks #1 in Labour and Employment Law

Hicks Morley once again ranked #1 in Canada in the field of Labour and Employment Law in Best Lawyers® in Canada 2012. Hicks Morley has more listed lawyers (25 in total) in this field than any other firm in Canada and is also the #1 ranked firm in Ontario. Toronto John E. Brooks Labour and…