This session on grievance arbitration in the police services 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
• Human rights and discrimination
• Workplace harassment
• Disability and accommodation
• Privacy and privacy-related issues / medical information
• Sick leave and other leaves of absence
• Minimum staffing, etc.
• Transfer and promotion
• Alcohol and drug addiction
• Off-duty conduct
• Mandatory vaccination
• Indemnity for legal costs
• Jurisdiction of arbitrators vs. human rights and police service appeal tribunals

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

• “Plain meaning” rule / ambiguity
• Contextual evidence of negotiating history
• Estoppel
• Statutory freeze issues
• The requirements of good faith
• Fairness and management rights
• Relevance of statute law
• Reasons and judicial review

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
• Police chiefs
• Union officers, representatives and advocates
• Grievance advisors and committee members
• Labour lawyers/consultants
• Arbitrators, mediators and adjudicators
• Deputy police chiefs