EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ARE
HUMAN RIGHTS!

Labour Rights and Employment Lawyers in Vancouver Protecting Clients in the Workplace

Labour relations and employment law are ever-changing as new laws are created with the intent of protecting workers and employers. However, even with the various laws in place that aim to protect all individuals in the workplace, legal issues often arise that make it necessary to hire a lawyer who can protect individuals’ interests.

Regardless of whether you are an employee or employer, you must have an experienced Vancouver employment lawyer to help you resolve legal issues before they can get a foothold and cause further problems later.

Our law firm has extensive experience handling workplace issues involving the BC Labour Relations Code, the BC Employment Standards Act, the BC Human Rights Act, the Alberta Labour Relations Code, the Alberta Employment Standards Code, the Alberta Human Rights Act, the Canada Labour Code, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act, among others.

Navigating this on your own can lead to stress and even costly mistakes that can make your situation worse. By seeking our services, you get assurance and guidance when dealing with complex labour and employment matters. Our experienced team can:

  • Take the lead in labour disputes and negotiations – regardless of which side of the table you are on
  • Provide peace of mind knowing our years of collective experience will be working tirelessly to resolve your issues swiftly
  • Plan ahead to avoid conflicts and mistakes from happening in the future
  • Professional regulation proceedings
  • Grievance handling & arbitration, collective bargaining, Labour Relations Board matters, bullying and harassment complaints, right to privacy of employee information
  • Representation before Professional Regulatory bodies
  • Give you insights and advice based on precedent and modern strategies

Contact our Vancouver, British Columbia, law office and ask to schedule a consultation with our skilled lawyers, who can answer your labour and employment rights questions. After reviewing your case, our lawyer will work with you to determine your available legal options.

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HOW MAY WE HELP YOU?

Why Should I Hire a Lawyer to Help Me With Workplace Legal Issues?

Both employers and employees can greatly benefit from hiring employment lawyers. It makes good business sense to have a lawyer on your side with experience handling employment law issues. By nature, the employment relationship can be adversarial due to conflicts around workplace policies, health and safety issues, labour matters, and other challenging situations.

Because employment law is overly complex, hiring a lawyer can help to protect your interests. Some of the other legal matters that employment lawyers can assist clients with include:

  • Employment contracts
  • Executive compensation
  • Employment disputes
  • Wrongful dismissal
  • Sexual harassment
  • Severance pay
  • Constructive dismissal
  • Grievance arbitration

Labour Rights Law of Vancouver has in-depth experience handling both employment law sides. If you are a business owner or employee and have questions about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, contact our office and ask to consult with a qualified legal team member.

(604) 245 3169

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CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
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Does Your Law Firm Offer Quality Legal Services to its Clients?

Labour Rights Law of Vancouver is proud of the high-quality legal services we consistently offer clients. One of the main objectives of our law firm is to provide legal support to employers and employees to ensure that all Vancouver citizens are equally protected under the law.

Because we focus on employment labour relations, our legal staff has extensive knowledge of provincial and federal laws and how they affect the workplace. Our law firm was one of the first in British Columbia to offer virtual labour and employment services in Canada, and we continue to be a leader in offering innovative solutions to clients.

Our legal team is fully qualified to advise clients on employment issues governed by employment law, labour law, and human rights legislation. Workplace policies in BC must comply with the BC Human Rights Act, the BC Labour Relations Code, and the BC Employment Standards Act. Similarly, workplace polices in Alberta must comply with the Alberta Labour Relations Code, the Alberta Employment Standards Code, and the Alberta Human Rights Act. Workplace policies for federally regulated workers must comply with the Canada Labour Code, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act, among others.

Regardless of whether you are an employer who needs a employment legal advice or an employee who has suffered harassment while on the job, Labour Rights Law can provide the legal advice you need to resolve your issues.

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MEET OUR TEAM

Does Your Legal Team Have Experience Handling Employment and Labour Relations Matters?

One of the aspects that sets us apart from other Vancouver employment lawyers is the years of legal experience our team members can offer clients. For example, Labour Rights Law’s managing partner, Sebastien Anderson, has over 40 years of experience fighting for unions and their members’ rights in Alberta, Federal Labour Relations matters and British Columbia.

Other legal team members have represented clients in the British Columbia Supreme Court, provincial courts, and the Federal Court of Canada. Furthermore, we have significant experience in all aspects of the Human Rights Tribunals, the Labour Relations Boards, and issues related to workers compensation.

With our years of experience, the staff of Labour Rights Law has a definite legal advantage over other law firms. We are fully committed to helping clients find practical solutions to their legal issues. If you have an employment labour issue you cannot resolve independently, contact our law office, and ask to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.

(604) 245 3169

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Why Choose Us?
Reputation for excellence

One of the aspects that sets us apart from other Vancouver employment lawyers is the reputation we have built in the community. Sadly, many lawyers focus solely on profits rather than their clients. However, Labour Rights Law focuses on assisting clients with their legal needs and the outcome we can achieve.

Innovative legal services

Beginning in 2013, Labour Rights Law of Vancouver was the first employment labour law firm in Canada that could serve clients virtually. Our innovative approach demonstrates our devotion to providing our specialized legal services to clients in urban and rural communities. Additionally, we continually strive to develop new legal strategies that reflect the constant changes in workplace laws.

Experience and reliability

Our legal team has the knowledge and experience that it takes to obtain favorable results for clients. Once we agree to take your case or handle your legal issues, we are committed to standing by your side until the job is done and you are satisfied with the results.

Honest evaluations

When clients reach out to Labour Rights Law, we take time to evaluate their cases thoroughly. Unlike other firms eager to collect legal fees, our team will provide clients with honest evaluations of their cases. As a result, we have earned a reputation for honesty and integrity within the legal community.

Trial experience

Our experienced employment lawyers and legal team have years of trial experience. We have handled cases before the Labour Relations Boards, BC Supreme Court, Alberta Court of King’s Bench, and the BC and Alberta Courts of Appeal, as well as Federal Court. Our years of experience have taught us what it takes to achieve successful results for clients.

Client-centered approach

Labour Rights Law takes great pride in the dedication and time we give to each client. Our knowledgeable legal team recognizes that every case is different, and we strive to ensure we work hard to nurture each lawyer-client relationship. We are honoured to serve our clients across Canada and work daily to retain their trust.

Why Choose Us?
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Can I Count on Your Law Firm to Obtain Favorable Results For My Labour or Employment Issues?

Through years of hard work, Labour Rights Law has earned a reputation for providing clients with favorable results for employment issues. When you choose our law firm for your labour or employment needs, you hire a team of legal professionals with a proven track record of obtaining favorable client results. We recognize that no matter what side of the dispute you may be on, your primary goal is to find viable solutions to help avoid similar situations in the future.

However, our legal team also realizes that issues such as wrongful dismissal, severance pay, and employment contracts are often hotly debated issues that may need constant attention. Our team uses its knowledge of labour and employment law as well as prior experience when determining legal strategies to solve issues that plague the workplace.

Whatever your needs, Labour Rights Law of Vancouver works with management and employees to find proactive solutions to employment law claims and disputes.

If you want to know more about Labour Rights Law and how we can assist you with your legal needs, contact our office and ask to schedule a consultation to learn more information.

(604) 245 3169

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Latest Articles & Insights

What Makes Your Law Firm Stand Out From Other Employment Lawyers?

Businesses and their employees often need legal assistance to ensure that workplace policies and human rights laws are followed under the BC Labour Relations Code, the BC Employment Standards Act, the BC Human Rights Act, the Alberta Labour Relations Code, the Alberta Employment Standards Code, the Alberta Human Rights Act, the Canada Labour Code, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act, among others.

In 2013, Labour Rights Law quickly set itself apart from other Vancouver employment lawyers by opening its “doors” as the first virtual law firm in Canada to offer online labour, employment, and human rights services in addition to its traditional office setting.

Our innovative and modern approach to employment law services gives us a definite advantage over traditional firms. Additionally, our team members have a wide range of legal skills and experience handling labour relations, including collective bargaining and grievance arbitration. Our legal professionals also use their various skill sets to create legal strategies that will be fully favorable to both sides when dealing with employment issues.

Our office is located less than a 3 minute walk from either the Lincoln Skytrain Station or the LaFarge Lake/Douglas College Skytrain Station on the Evergreen Line. If you want to schedule a consultation to discuss your legal needs, contact Labour Rights Law at 604-245-3169 and ask to schedule a consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I face termination if I participate in a union membership drive?

Both federal and provincial laws prohibit employers from retaliating against their employees for participating in union membership drives or exercising other employee rights. Suppose an employee participates in a union membership drive. In that case, an employer may not threaten termination, fire, or refuse to hire an individual or discriminate against the employee due to their union membership. Finally, an employer may not interfere with union certification through intimidation, promises of better pay for a negative vote, or other means. If an employee violates any of these laws, they may violate human rights law, and employees could file complaints to try and recover damages.

What is the role of a union representative?

A union representative is authorized to take any concerns of other members to management and build and explain the benefits of membership in the workplace. A union rep is typically responsible for displaying or distributing announcements from the union to its members. In addition, a union representative may accompany union members to grievance or disciplinary hearings. Union reps may also work with management to develop workplace policies that deal with health and safety and better labour relations. Finally, a union rep can also provide union officials with more in-depth information regarding issues or challenging situations in the workplace that may need attention.

Why is understanding executive compensation significant in terms of labour relations?

Executive compensation is often a hotly debated issue within unions in British Columbia. One of the principal concerns that often leads to employment disputes is the disparity of wages between what company executives make versus what employees bring home. Often, executive compensation is debated in labour issues as unions try to reach collective bargaining agreements. In the past, many company executives have been given substantial raises while union members were forced to fight for fair wages. When legal issues arise from unfair wages, it is always best to have an experienced Vancouver employment lawyer to provide advice on employment law.

What is the difference between a collective agreement and a contract?

A collective agreement, also known as a collective bargaining agreement, is a labour contract developed between an employer and the union that represents employees. A collective agreement outlines the terms and conditions of workplace employment, such as wages, benefits, working hours, and management and employee responsibilities. A collective agreement differs from a regular employment contract as the obligations do not end on the agreement’s expiration. Typically, if the collective agreement expires, management and the union continue to work under the terms of the prior agreement until a new one can be decided upon.

What should I do if my employer fired me due to my disability?

If your employer terminated you solely because of your disability, you may be able to file a human rights claim. However, proving that your employer violated the British Columbia Human Rights Code can be challenging. One of the main factors determining whether employees have a human rights claim is whether or not their termination relates to discrimination of a protected personal trait. Due to the overly complex nature of employment law, it is always best to hire an experienced employment lawyer who can thoroughly review the termination and determine what legal options may be available. A skilled lawyer can also advise you on filing a claim and provide legal representation throughout the claims process.

Are all human rights claims settled in court?

No, courts do not have jurisdiction to adjudicate human rights claims arising under Human Rights Legislation. Once your human rights complaint is accepted for filing, the first step is typically mediation between you and your employer and/or your union to try and resolve your complaint. Mediation is a less expensive and easier method to resolve disputes than going through costly and time-consuming litigation. Union members should also be advised that they may file a grievance under their collective agreement alleging discrimination due to the prohibited grounds of discrimination.

What can I do if my employer refuses to give me severance pay?

Under specific circumstances, severance pay is mandatory in British Columbia. These conditions include your employer failing to provide you with reasonable notice or pay in lieu thereof, having just cause to terminate your employment, or you not agreeing to end the employment relationship voluntarily. Additionally, if you provided your employer with written notice of your intention to quit and then management decided to terminate your employment before the specified departure date, you would be entitled to termination pay. However, severance pay is not mandatory if you voluntarily decide to retire, quit without written notice, work on call, or have not completed at least three months of continuous employment.

What is grievance arbitration?

Grievance arbitration refers to the procedures used to settle any disputes that may arise when deciding the application or interpretation of a collective agreement. Provincial and federal labour legislation requires that collective agreements have provisions that detail how such disputes should be settled. In grievance arbitration, the employer and the union appear before a neutral third-party arbitrator or arbitration board who will listen to both side’s arguments. The decision made by the arbitrator or board is final and legally binding.