LABOR LAW REVIEW

On October 29th & 30th, the 30th Annual Labour Law Review was held in Saskatoon, bringing together labor and employer professionals from across the region. Our union was proud to send four members from the Accommodation and Law Committees to represent us at this vital event. Their participation ensures we remain informed about legal decisions shaping workplace dynamics and strengthens our ability to advocate effectively for our members.

The Labour Law Review is a highly anticipated event, featuring expert presentations by lawyers representing both labor and corporate interests. At the heart of the conference are in-depth discussions of key legal cases from the past year. These cases are carefully selected for their relevance and impact, with each panel exploring the case’s background, details, and outcome. Both labour and employer representatives provide commentary, highlighting how these decisions affect their respective positions. This balanced approach offers invaluable insights, enabling participants to better understand workplace dynamics from all angles.

Case law remains a cornerstone of workplace policy and decision-making. Many of the rulings presented during the conference serve as critical references in negotiations and advocacy efforts. By understanding these precedents, our committees gain the tools needed to navigate complex challenges with confidence and precision.

Beyond case law, the conference also addresses timely issues in labour law. This year, the sessions explored three topics of particular relevance to our workplace: Contracting In, Procedural Duty to Accommodate, and Workplace Safety. These presentations provided actionable insights, offering our committees new strategies to implement in their ongoing work while sparking ideas for future initiatives.

A highlight of the event was the closing question-and-answer session, hosted by an arbitrator alongside the presenting lawyers. This interactive segment allowed attendees to hear about real-world challenges faced by other workplaces and how similar issues are handled across industries. The arbitrator’s input added a unique perspective, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the decision-making process that shapes so many workplace outcomes.

For our union, the knowledge gained from this conference is invaluable. It equips our representatives with up-to-date information and insights to make informed decisions, advocate for fair and equitable outcomes, and provide clarity on employer responsibilities. These learnings not only strengthen our immediate efforts but also enhance our ability to plan for and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of labour law.

Ultimately, the 30th Annual Labour Law Review underscored the critical importance of the work being done by our committees. Labour law is dynamic, and staying ahead of its changes is essential to ensuring compliance, fostering best practices, and building a workplace environment that benefits everyone. Through events like this, we reaffirm our commitment to informed advocacy and continuous improvement, ensuring we remain a strong voice for our members in the workplace.

Mitch Bloos, Law Committee

YOUNG WORKERS CONFERENCE

The Unifor National Young Workers Conference was held in Toronto from November 8th - 10th. The conference was open to workers under the age of 35 from Unifor locals across the country; more than 100 delegates participated.

Two members from 594, Will Lerach (Pipe Shop) and myself (Process) were in attendance. The theme of this year's conference was: “Deep Roots, Strong Growth”. This was an opportunity to hear of the struggles faced by other locals at their respective workplaces in various industries from the perspective of young workers. Representatives from the national team emphasized the importance of young workers being active and involved with their local unions and how to better support fellow young workers in today's quickly evolving economic conditions.

Many topics were discussed including, but not limited to: the collective bargaining process, wages, benefits, rights on the job, paid time off, pensions, grievance procedures, and workplace safety. A key takeaway from this event is the importance of our younger members understanding their rights in the workplace and helping protect the rights and benefits that were fought for by those before them.

Together, we need to continue forward improving our working conditions and maintaining our fair share of the wealth we produce, for the services we collectively provide. It is critical for our young workers to take action in securing a bright future for our local.

Tanner Sawrenko

INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Saskatchewan’s rate of intimate partner violence (IPV) is over double the national average,¹ and Regina ranks fourth among Canadian census metropolitan areas for the highest rates of IPV.¹

The holiday season can be stressful for many families, with increased financial pressures, gatherings with extended family, and the potential for increased substance use. Some perpetrators of IPV may increase their use of violence and abuse during this time. Victims/survivors of IPV may choose to delay plans to end the relationship to avoid disrupting the children and family during the holidays. For survivors who have recently left and their children, the holidays can be a lonely and isolating time, coupled with stress about planning for their future and continued concerns for their safety.

PATHS member agencies (IPV counselling centres and shelters) are available to provide information, support, and assistance with safety planning throughout the holiday season. Domestic violence shelters are staffed 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. As well as providing information to people who are experiencing IPV, shelters can also provide information over the phone to concerned family members, friends, or coworkers who have questions regarding recognizing IPV, having an effective conversation with someone they care about, and available services.

PATHS member agencies appreciate the support of their communities over the holiday season as they help their clients build hope and happiness, as well as safety, during the festive season.

¹ Conroy, S. (2021). Section 3: Police-reported intimate partner violence in Canada, 2019. In Family violence in Canada: A statistical profile, 2019. Statistics Canada catalogue no. 85-002-X. Statistics Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2021001/article/00001-eng.htm 

Dr. Crystal Giesbrecht, Director of Research at PATHS

• Congratulations to Taylor Torrie (CEC Process Operator) for recently completing his 3rd Class Power Engineering ticket.

LAST LAUGH