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Collective Bargaining

Collective bargaining is the act of a union negotiating a strong, unified contract on behalf of its members in a bargaining unit. It is the process where a trade union and an employer negotiate a new collective agreement or the renewal of a previous collective agreement. The issues that are often addressed are wages, working conditions, grievance procedures, and fringe benefits. 

The collective agreement is the written contract of employment, which covers a group of employees who are represented by the union and who belong to a bargaining unit. It contains the provisions concerning the terms and conditions of their employment, in addition to the rights, privileges, and duties of the employer, union, and employees.

Once a trade union is certified, it will provide the employer with written notice of its desire to bargain. Once the written notice is provided, the employer and union have to commence negotiations within a certain period.

Further, where a previous collective agreement already binds a union and employer, there are two options in which either party can provide notice to bargain. The first is within a statutorily mandated number of days before the agreement is due to expire, and the second is during any other period which is set out in the agreement. 

Once a collective agreement is reached, both the union and the employer become legally bound by its terms. 

How can Zeilikman Law help?

Our experienced labour lawyers can assist with the collective bargaining process, including drafting, revising, and reviewing the collective agreement. 

Our lawyers can provide assistance with preparing bargaining proposals, the strategy and tactics of effective negotiation, conducting and leading collective agreement negotiations, and the language that is used in the agreements. 

At Zeilikman Law, we understand the many disputes that can arise throughout the collective agreement bargaining process. Such disputes can include complaints arising out of bad faith bargaining, wage-related issues, administrative issues, and first contract arbitration proceedings.  

Request a consultation or call us at 905-417-2227 to learn more!

Legal Receptionist

Zeilikman Law is an employment law firm located in Vaughan, Ontario. We are looking to hire a legal receptionist to join our firm. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working as a receptionist at another law firm.

Location: Vaughan, Ontario.

Start Date: Immediately.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Full time. In-person only. This is not a remote work position.

Wages: 35,000 to 40,000 per year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage our firm’s multi-line telephone system to receive incoming calls.  Screen incoming telephone call inquiries to determine the nature of the telephone call and provide standard information related to our legal services.  Take and deliver messages and route incoming telephone calls to the appropriate staff person.
  • Answer general inquiries coming from the firm’s social media and website email.
  • Welcome in-person visitors upon arrival.  Direct visitors to the appropriate staff person and / or office or boardroom.
  • Organize in-person visitor schedule to prevent overlap and multiple bookings.
  • Receive, sort, and distribute daily mail and deliveries.
  • Arrange for couriers.
  • Keep front reception, kitchenette area and boardroom tidy.
  • Perform various clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, and faxing on an as-needed basis.
  • Process client or other payments.
  • May be asked to run minor errands outside of office such as attending post office to arrange a courier or pick up mail.
  • May be asked to assist other law clerks or lawyers of the firm as required and as appropriate.
  • Any other basic administrative duties or tasks as deemed appropriate.

Required Skills:

  • Basic knowledge of general office procedures including filing, faxing, and printing and copying.
  • Basic word processing computer skills.
  • Proficient in receptionist and telephone practices, etiquette, and decorum.
  • Professional attitude and appearance.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Positive customer service attitude is a must.
  • Must be able to maintain confidential and sensitive information.

Education and Experience:

  • Highschool diploma or equivalent.
  • 1 – 2 years’ experience in an office setting with an emphasis in accounting, reception or clerical work is required.   We would prefer experience in a law firm environment.

Applications for this position should be sent via email to jennifer@zeilikmanlaw.com. All applications should include a cover letter, resume and at least two references. Only successful candidates will be contacted.