Defined Project
A clear mandate, deliverables and timeline for a specific business or workplace need.
Labour Relations
Collective bargaining support for employers and unions.
Preparation, proposals, costing and negotiations, for a first collective agreement or a renewal, in provincial and federally regulated workplaces.
For employers and unions in Ontario, and in federally regulated workplaces across Canada under the Canada Labour Code.
Scope of support
From preparation to ratification.
- Collective bargaining strategy, proposals, costing and negotiations
- Preparing for a first collective agreement or a renewal
- Bargaining priorities, mandates and proposals
- Costing proposals and settlement options
- Strategy through conciliation and mediation
- Provincial and federal labour-relations matters
A different perspective
Experience on both sides of the table, and inside the organization.
Our experience with both employers and unions provides a practical understanding of how the other side evaluates risk, develops strategy and approaches resolution.
Key points
How bargaining works in Ontario.
In Ontario, either party can give written notice to bargain for a renewal within the 90 days before the collective agreement expires, or during any period the agreement specifies.
Source: Collective bargaining
For a first agreement, the union gives written notice to bargain after certification or voluntary recognition.
Source: Labour Relations Act, 1995, S.O. 1995, c. 1, Sched. A
The parties must meet within 15 days of notice unless they agree to a further period, and must bargain in good faith and make every reasonable effort to make a collective agreement.
Source: Labour Relations Act, 1995, S.O. 1995, c. 1, Sched. A
Once notice is given and no agreement is in operation, the employer generally cannot change wages or other terms without the union's consent, and the union cannot change them without the employer's.
Source: Labour Relations Act, 1995, S.O. 1995, c. 1, Sched. A
Generally, where a sector is governed only by the Labour Relations Act, 1995, the parties must meet with a conciliation officer before a legal strike or lockout, which may begin on the 17th day after the no-board notice is released.
Source: Collective bargaining
As a general rule, a proposed collective agreement has no effect until it is ratified, which requires more than 50 per cent of those voting to vote in favour.
Source: Labour Relations Act, 1995, S.O. 1995, c. 1, Sched. A
Federally regulated workplaces, such as banks, airlines and interprovincial railways, bargain under the Canada Labour Code instead. Notice to bargain for a renewal can be given within four months before expiry, or a longer period the agreement provides, and the parties must begin bargaining within 20 days unless they agree otherwise.
How we work
Flexible by design.
Ongoing Advisory
Access to experienced labour, legal or HR support without building another permanent role.
Specific Matter
Focused representation or advice on a grievance, bargaining issue, investigation, termination or workplace dispute.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can you help with a first collective agreement?
Yes. Support covers a first collective agreement as well as a renewal. A first agreement has rules of its own: in Ontario, the employer's freeze on wages and other terms starts when it receives the Ontario Labour Relations Board's notice of the union's certification application.
When should we start preparing?
Before the notice window opens. In Ontario, notice to bargain for a renewal can be given within the 90 days before the agreement expires, and the parties must then meet within 15 days, so it helps to have priorities, proposals and costing in place early.
Do you work on federally regulated bargaining?
Yes. The practice handles both provincial and federal labour-relations matters. Federally regulated workplaces bargain under the Canada Labour Code, which has its own notice periods, its own freeze and its own conditions for a strike or lockout.
What happens if bargaining stalls?
In Ontario, either party may ask the Minister to appoint a conciliation officer at any time during bargaining, where applicable, and the parties can jointly retain a private mediator. Strategy support continues through those steps.
Related reading
Start a conversation
Preparing for a round of bargaining?
Tell us where things stand: the expiry date, the main issues and the timeline. The first conversation is about what each side needs.