In this Update, we discuss a recent decision of Arbitrator Nyman with respect to what constitutes a collective agreement and which re-affirms the longstanding principle that the interpretation of a collective agreement is first to be based on the plain and ordinary meaning of the written words. We also discuss a topical case with respect to a grievor’s obligation to produce arguably relevant medical documentation in the context of a grievance arbitration – notwithstanding the contractual restrictions that may exist.
Tag: Labour Relations Act
More Changes to Workplace Laws Are on the Horizon for Ontario Employers
On December 6, 2018, Bill 57, Restoring Trust, Transparency and Accountability Act, 2018 passed Third Reading and received Royal Assent. On the same date, the government tabled Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2018, omnibus legislation which, if passed, will make significant amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (LRA), the Pension Benefits Act (PBA) and other statutes.
New Regulations Filed Under Labour Relations Act, 1995 – Arbitration Awards to be Made Publicly Available
On November 21, 2018, the Ontario government filed two regulations made under the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (LRA). The first regulation is made further to the repeal by Bill 47, Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018 of certain provisions of the LRA, previously enacted by Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 (Bill…
Legislation Reversing Parts of Bill 148 Passes
On November 21, 2018, Bill 47, the Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018, as amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, passed Third Reading…
End of the Bill 148 Era: Ontario Bill to Reverse Employment and Labour Reforms
On October 23, 2018, the Ontario government introduced Bill 47, the Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018 (Bill 47), new legislation that if passed in its present form would effectively “undo” many of the key changes to workplace laws implemented by Bill 148. The range of changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA)…
Workplace Law in Canada: A Primer
This Guide provides American employers with an introduction to employment laws and regulations that affect businesses in Canada. It outlines an overview of the main differences between Canadian and U.S. workplace laws.
Craig Rix Quoted in Canadian Lawyer on Changing Workplaces Review
Canadian Lawyer quoted Hicks Morley’s Craig Rix in a March 6, 2017 article titled “Labour law overhaul.” The article describes the results of the public consultations to consider reforms to the Employment Standards Act and the Labour Relations Act…
Ontario Proposes Key Reforms to the Framework for Collective Bargaining in the Education Sector
Significant proposed reforms to the existing framework for collective bargaining in the education sector may change the way school boards and unions negotiate agreements – and could impact the outcomes achieved at the table. Find out what may be in store…
Ontario Launches Personal Emergency Leave Pilot Project
Ontario has introduced limited amendments to personal emergency leave for certain employers in the automobile sector. In comments to the Ontario Legislature, the Minister of Labour identified the changes as a pilot project suggesting that similar changes may be considered in the future for a wider range of employers…
Craig Rix Quoted by Canadian HR Reporter on the Changing Workplaces Review
Craig Rix was quoted in the September 5, 2016 article, “Ontario looking to make changes to labour laws,” which details the updating of the 1995 Labour Relations Act and 2000 Employment Standards Act with the Changing Workplaces Review. The July interim report raised concerns over card-based certification, precarious work and better enforcement…