Since 1987, Chivers Carpenter has stood alongside unions and their members, helping them confront and remedy workplace injustices of every kind.
We advise unions on all types of grievances, including those involving discipline, termination, and the interpretation and application of collective agreement language on issues such as seniority rights, privacy, work schedules, compensation, discrimination and accommodation, and contracting out.
We offer clear, practical legal opinions, work closely with unions to achieve the best possible settlements through negotiation or mediation, and advocate vigorously for them at arbitration.
We also assist and represent unions in interest arbitration proceedings.
Our lawyers regularly appear before the Alberta Labour Relations Board and the Canada Industrial Relations Board and are equipped to handle all matters before these tribunals, including:
We guide unions through every step of the certification process, prepare and file certification applications on their behalf, and help safeguard the Charter-protected rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
The duty of fair representation requires unions to represent their members fairly, in good faith, and without discrimination or arbitrary conduct. We provide experienced guidance and effective representation when unions face duty of fair representation complaints from current or former members.
We work with unions to identify, file, and pursue unfair labour practice complaints against employers, such as interference, bad faith bargaining, and anti-union discrimination.
Our lawyers have significant experience with determination applications, particularly those involving disputes over bargaining unit composition and the status of affected parties.
We have valuable experience handling common employer, true employer, and successorship applications involving complex disputes about which entity, or entities, are legally responsible for collective agreement obligations. We help unions protect bargaining rights and preserve collective agreement terms and conditions in the face of corporate restructuring.
We support unions throughout the bargaining process — from developing proposals to providing representation during negotiations to establish or renew collective agreements. We also assist with mediation and represent unions in bargaining-related disputes before labour boards, including first contract applications and bad faith bargaining complaints.
Sections 2(b) and 2(d) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantee freedom of expression and freedom of association — fundamental rights for workers and unions. We assist unions in challenging legislation and the actions of government employers that violate these rights and work to ensure that unions and their members can picket, distribute leaflets and other union materials, organize public campaigns and advertisements, speak to the media about workplace disputes, wear union insignia, and participate in strikes free from undue interference.
At Chivers Carpenter Lawyers, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of workers and unions. Whether you require representation at an arbitration hearing, advice on employment law, or have questions about our upcoming educational seminars, our team is ready to assist.
Phone: (780) 439–3611
Fax: (780) 439–8543