This session on grievance arbitration in the fire sector across Canada will be conducted by an experienced arbitrator together with leading union and management counsel.

Panelists will explore recent decisions relating to current issues including the following:

• Discharge and discipline
• Benefits and benefit-related issues (prior authorization, line of duty death, reasonable and customary limits, etc.)
• Human rights and discrimination
• Disability and accommodation
• Privacy and privacy-related issues (medical information)
• Sick leave and other leaves of absence
• Minimum staffing, 24-hour shift, shift exchanges, etc.
• Alcohol and drug addiction
• Off-duty conduct
• Mandatory vaccination

Attendees can expect to be updated on cases involving the principles of collective agreement interpretation, including the following:

• Contextual evidence of negotiating history
• Estoppel
• Statutory freeze issues
• The requirements of good faith
• Fairness and management rights
• Relevance of statute law

The emphasis will be on practical advice. Up-to-date materials will be provided with case summaries, overviews and analyses prepared by Lancaster’s legal staff.

Who should attend? The program is designed for:

• HR directors, professionals and executives
• Fire chiefs and deputy fire chiefs
• Union officers, representatives and advocates
• Grievance advisors and committee members
• Labour lawyers/consultants
• Arbitrators, mediators and adjudicators