At Unified LLP, we are a firm for workers – through and through.
We know and identify with the concerns of workers because before we were lawyers, we too were workers who faced our share of illegal and unfair workplace practices. Collectively, we have years of experience helping workers navigate convoluted legal systems and are well-poised to assist and represent unions and their members through the grievance process.
A Brief History of the Grievance Process in Canada
The grievance process in Canada has evolved over the decades as an instrument for workers to raise and resolve disputes with their employers. It stems from the framework of labour law, which began to take shape in the early 20th century with the rise of unionized workplaces and the need for structured conflict resolution. Initially, disputes were resolved through informal negotiation or union action, but as collective bargaining gained prominence, formal grievance processes were established to handle disputes over a wide array of workplace issues and collective agreement interpretation.
Today, the grievance process serves as an essential mechanism for employees to voice their concerns, with the goal of reaching a just resolution without the need for lengthy and costly litigation. However, as grievance jurisprudence has become more and more enriched over the years, new barriers to the process have also arisen, which may require a lawyer to navigate. That’s where we come in.
A Brief Overview of the Grievance Process
The grievance process typically begins with a formal complaint made by the employee (or union on their behalf) to their employer, outlining the nature of the issue and what they believe to be unfair treatment or violation of rights. While informal discussions between employers, employees and their union representatives may be enough to resolve a conflict, often this isn’t the case.
From there, the grievance is typically escalated to mediation, where a neutral third party helps facilitate discussions between the employer and employee in an attempt to reach a mutually satisfactory outcome. Mediation provides an opportunity for both sides to express their concerns and work toward a resolution without the need for litigation.
If mediation fails and the dispute persists, the grievance can move into arbitration or litigation, where a more formal process determines the outcome of the dispute.
We Know What Workers Want—And We’re Here to Help
At Unified LLP, we stand with workers. We understand the challenges employees face when fighting for their rights in the workplace. We know that every case is unique, and we make it our mission to listen to our clients, hear member concerns, understand their needs, and craft tailored strategies that align with their goals.
We believe in taking a worker-centric approach. It’s not just about legal action—it’s about ensuring people are being heard, treated with respect, and receive the justice they deserve. We know what workers want: fairness, transparency, and a resolution that allows them to move forward with their lives and careers.
Valuing Mediation—But Not Afraid of Litigation
While we are passionate advocates for workers, we also understand the importance of resolving disputes efficiently and amicably. That’s why we place a high value on the mediation process. Over the years, we’ve honed our skills in mediation and have successfully helped countless workers reach favorable outcomes through negotiation and compromise. Mediation can save time, reduce stress, and result in solutions that are beneficial to both parties.
However, we know that not every dispute can be resolved through mediation. When the situation demands, we are not afraid to take the next step and proceed with litigation. Our team has extensive experience in the courtroom and will not hesitate to fight for your rights if mediation doesn’t lead to the outcome you deserve.
Your Rights, Our Priority
We’re here to guide you through every step of the grievance process, from the initial stages of negotiation all the way through litigation if necessary. We work tirelessly to ensure that your voice is heard and that your rights are protected.
If your union’s members are facing a workplace dispute, don’t navigate the complex grievance process alone. Reach out to us today for a consultation and let us put our experience to work for you.