Labour and Employment Legal Services
O’Neill Associates LLP is the only law firm in Northwestern Ontario practising exclusively in labour and employment law. We bring to the table a deep understanding of the realities of working in Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario, and decades of experience.
Employment Law
- advice regarding compliance with workplace legislation and standards (both federal and provincial)
- preparation and negotiation of employment contracts
- advice regarding workplace disciplinary matters
Termination & Dismissal
- advice regarding “just cause” and options on termination of employment
- representation before the courts in constructive and wrongful dismissal claims
- negotiation and settlement of wrongful dismissal and related claims
Labour Relations
- management-side advice and representation in all areas of labour relations including:
- the grievance procedure and at grievance and interest arbitration hearings
- collective bargaining
- Ontario Labour Relations Board proceedings including unfair labour practices, bad faith bargaining, certification, and decertification
- human resource and workplace planning
Human Resource & Workplace Planning
- advice for employers on proactive HR strategies including advice regarding workplace restructuring, hiring practices, and disciplinary procedures
- draft and review employment contracts, job descriptions, and HR policies to reduce legal risk
- review HR decisions for legislative compliance including with the Employment Standards Act and Canada Labour Code
- training sessions for senior leadership, management, and supervisors on topics such as workplace harassment, human rights, and occupational health and safety
Employment Standards & Statutory Compliance
- advice regarding compliance with workplace legislation and standards (both federal and provincial).
- compliance with human rights legislation (Ontario’s Human Rights Code and Canadian Human Rights Act) and representation at the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal and Canadian Human Rights Tribunal
- compliance with health and safety legislation (Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, and the Canada Labour Code) and representation at the Ontario Labour Relations Board, Ontario Court of Justice, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal, and Canada Industrial Relations Board
- compliance with minimum employment and labour standards (Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, and Canada Labour Code) and representation at the Ontario Labour Relations Board and Canadian Industrial Relations Board
Workplace Investigations
- workplace investigation training
- workplace investigations into harassment, discrimination, and violence
- workplace assessments
- investigative support and advice
Workplace Safety & Workers’ Compensation
- compliance with occupational health and safety legislation
- workers’ compensation benefits, including WSIB claims and appeals
- workplace reintegration, including functional abilities assessments and return-to-work plans
- advice and on-site representation for employers during Ministry of Labour inspections and investigations
- advice and representation for employers in defending charges for offences under health and safety laws
Human Rights
- advice in relation to discrimination and sexual harassment claims
- assistance with modified work plans, accommodation and undue hardship issues
- representation in proceedings before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and Canadian Human Rights Commission
- assistance with disability management, including accommodation requests, return-to-work plans, and absenteeism strategies
Privacy in the Workplace
- compliance with workplace privacy legislation
- advice for employers in relation to common privacy issues in the workplace including:
- background checks
- employee surveillance and monitoring
- employee access to personal information
- collecting employee medical information