We work with employers.
Manufacturers. Unions. Patisseries. Schools. First Nations. Professional Associations. Municipalities. Non-Profits.
We work with them all.
Planning and Prevention
We work with our clients to create a collection of contracts and policies to set a strong foundation for the employment relationship.
Some policies (such as privacy, and bullying and harassment) may be legally required; others can be implemented to prevent liability or simplify management of the employment relationship. We ensure that they meet an employer's legal requirements and suit the operations of the organization.
Investigations and Training
Having policies is just the first step; to make them effective, staff also need to understand and implement them. We provide training and workshops to boards, managers and employees on bullying and harassment, privacy, human rights and numerous other employment issues.
We also conduct independent investigations when an employer needs to ensure there is an arms-length inquiry into a workplace complaint or problem, and provide recommendations on resolving the issues.
Collective Agreements
For employers in a unionized workplace, we provide advice and support to effectively address day-to-day issues of collective agreement interpretation and application, as well as managing the workforce. We have extensive experience to assist with collective bargaining, whether through strategic advice, or acting as a spokesperson to negotiate an agreement.
We have a successful and seasoned litigation background in labour arbitration and at the BC Labour Relations Board, and routinely act as counsel in grievance settlements and mediations.
Advocacy
Faced with a demand letter, complaint or legal action, an employer needs advice, and quickly. We navigate the law to come up with a practical strategy for our clients, and work with them to defend all types of claims.
We have experience acting for clients at the Human Rights Tribunal, Labour Relations Board, Employment Standards Tribunal, Workers' Compensation Board, Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal, as well as before arbitrators and all levels of British Columbia courts.
