This practical, in-depth session is designed for those navigating grievance arbitration in the fire sector across Canada. Led by a seasoned arbitrator alongside experienced union and management counsel, the program will explore current arbitration trends and emerging issues in fire services workplaces.

Participants will examine recent arbitration awards and gain insights into key topics, including:

• Discharge and discipline
• Human rights, accommodation, and privacy
• Health and safety, WSIB, and medical disclosure
• Leave management, staffing, and scheduling
• Off-duty conduct, conflict of interest, and loyalty
• Violence, harassment, and investigations
• Remote work, surveillance, and management rights

This session includes updates from a previous program, but those who did not attend the earlier session will still gain tremendous value from the discussion. The content will be fully accessible for new attendees, with updated insights and analysis throughout.

The session emphasizes interactive learning and real-world guidance. Participants will also receive comprehensive materials, including case summaries and legal analysis prepared by Lancaster House lawyers.

This session will feature an engaging panel discussion led by an experienced arbitrator and expert union and management counsel.

Panelists will share insights on current issues in fire sector grievance arbitration, using real-world examples and recent decisions to highlight key trends and challenges.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the session and take part in interactive Q&A periods designed to address practical concerns from the field.

Participants will receive a comprehensive reference package, to keep and reference at any time, which includes case summaries, legal analysis, and topic overviews. This package will be referred to throughout the session and will serve as a valuable resource long after the program concludes.

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

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify emerging issues and recent arbitration trends in the fire sector across Canada.
• Analyze arbitration awards related to discipline, accommodation, privacy, and workplace safety.
• Apply legal principles to common grievances involving staffing, scheduling, leave, and contract interpretation.
• Understand the scope and limits of management rights, including remote work policies, surveillance, and contracting out.
• Recognize how human rights, duty of loyalty, and off-duty conduct are addressed in arbitration.
• Use the comprehensive reference package as an ongoing resource for grievance handling and workplace decision-making.

Engage more confidently in grievance arbitration processes with enhanced legal insight and practical knowledge.

If you’re interested in this session, you may also want to attend Lancaster’s Interest Arbitration in the Fire Sector: Essentials and Update, taking place. This companion panel offers a focused look at key developments and strategies in interest arbitration in the fire sector. Bundle pricing is available for those who wish to attend both programs.