You’re Invited: The New Everyday of the Workplace (October 17, 2018)
Latest Articles
The Big Blue Machine Returns: What’s Next for Employers
With the newly elected PC majority government, change is the one certainty that Ontario employers can expect. The specifics of what the change will look like have not been spelled out since the PC five-point platform did not touch on areas that directly impact employers. We can nonetheless anticipate that this government will consider initiatives to improve the competitiveness of Ontario businesses, such as the following:…
Another Orange Crush? What to Expect from an NDP Government
Recent polling suggests that the June 7th Ontario election is a hotly contested race with the NDP currently holding a lead in the polls and the PCs in second place. We are closely monitoring the election developments to keep you informed as to what a new government will mean for Ontario employers.
Below we outline the NDP’s proposed reforms to employment and labour laws. If pursued, the NDP’s proposed initiatives set out in their platform…
Questions about Bill 148? Join our seminar on February 28th in Toronto
Bill 148: Review & Compliance Check
We invite you to join Baker McKenzie’s Employment & Compensation Group in Toronto on February 28, 2018 as we review key changes under Ontario’s Bill 148 and provide practical guidance to assist you in meeting the new legislative requirements. For the event details and to register, please click here.…
Bill 148: Key Changes & What to Do About Them
Ontario employers face a number of new challenges in 2018 as a result of the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 (“Bill 148”). To help employers navigate the many changes under Bill 148, we have outlined the key changes that employers need to be aware of. We have also indicated planning actions to consider in view of these changes.…
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Social Media
Social media has never been more popular and employers are facing a growing number of risks as a result. In our recent article, we provide guidance on dealing with social media as it impacts the workplace. In addition to outlining the prevailing risks, we suggest proactive steps to avoid issues before they occur. This article was published in the August 7th edition of the Canadian HR Reporter – access the article here.
For highlights from our recent #SocialMediaAtWork seminar – see here.…
No More Stacking the Deck: Employees’ Voting Rights Act Brings Changes to Federal Union Certification and Decertification Processes
On June 16, 2015, Bill C-525, commonly known as the Employees’ Voting Rights Act (“EVRA“), will come into force. EVRA will make some minor, but impactful, changes to the processes in which unions gain and lose bargaining rights in the federal public sector.…
Will Canada’s New Anti-Spam Legislation Affect Labour Relations Communications?
On July 1, 2014, key components of Canada’s “anti-spam legislation” came into force, but the full impact is still uncertain, particularly with respect to labour relations communications. Our colleague, William Watson, has posted an interesting article on this in his blog, The Legal Playing Field. Click here to read.…
Court of Appeal Imposes Criminal Liability and Significant Fine for Workplace Accident
In R. v Metron, 2013 ONCA 541, Metron Construction Corporation (“Metron”) was found to have committed criminal negligence in failing to take reasonable steps to prevent bodily harm to its workers. Metron is the first case decided under the criminal negligence provisions of the Criminal Code where the parties did not agree on the sentence. At the trial level, Metron pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a fine of $200,000.…
Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing: Current Best Practices
In Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, Local 30 v. Irving Pulp & Paper, Ltd., 2013 SCC 34 [“Irving”], the Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) issued a landmark decision concerning workplace drug and alcohol testing. Irving strikes a new balance between the competing interests of employee privacy and workplace safety.…