To many people their employment is a fundamental part of who they are. As such, it is not surprising that issues arising in the realm of employment law have a significant impact upon the parties involved.

In the case of termination we are able to offer the employers and employees advice that will help them understand their basic rights. By providing objective advice to employers we are able to assist them in ensuring they have treated the employee fairly in the course of termination. Similarly we seek to ensure that employees rights are protected during the termination process and that they have bee treated with respect and dignity.

Ideally, we strive, regardless of which party we represent to negoatiate a fair and reasonable arrangement for our client without recourse to litigation. In some instances such a development is unavoidable and we assist our clients through the litigation process with competence and compassion.

Beyond matters of termination we are often called upon to draft or review such documents as employment contracts, non-competition agreements and compensation packages. We have experience with such agencies as the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Employment Insurance, Ontario Labour Relations Board and the Human Rights Commission.

Labour law governs the relationship between employers and their employees in unionized workplace. As such, as counsel our role may commence at the early stages of in the grievance process. More commonly we assist our clients after the parties have been unable to resolve matters to their mutual satisfaction through internal processes.

We represent both employers and employees as they endeavor to develop and maintain stable working relationships. In most instances, the parties will remain in a long term relationship and while firm positions may be necessary counsel must be sensitive to that reality as they offer assistance.

Beyond grievances arising out of the interpretation of collective agreements we also become involved in negotiating and drafting new terms for existing collective agreements as well as first agreements where none have existed previously.

Finally, we advise clients with respect to legislation governing the workplace such as the Ontario Labour Relations Act, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Bill Heelis	Joseph McCallum