fbpx

Sale of Business

When a unionized company intends to sell their business, care must be taken of the fact that the existence of a collective agreement may complicate things and render the transaction less than straightforward.

In unionized settings, where a collective agreement is in place, a purchaser may request that the vendor attempt to negotiate changes to the collective agreement that the purchaser desires. A union has no legal obligation to negotiate with the intended purchaser. A purchaser may not go through with the transaction without certain amendments being made to the collective agreement. However, if they do move forward, the purchaser will automatically take on the obligations in respect of the employees under the collective agreement.

In Ontario, the purchaser is bound by the agreement until the Labour Relations Board has declared otherwise. Once the sale is complete, the purchaser becomes the new employer of all of the members of the bargaining unit, who continue to be represented by the union. Thus, it is important for purchasers to determine if their current business plan is feasible within the bounds of the current collective agreement prior to the purchase, given the nature of the commitment.

Sale or merger of business

When are the union’s bargaining rights affected?

In some cases involving a sale of a business, the union’s bargaining rights may be negatively impacted. In such cases, it is important to consider the purchaser’s intentions concerning the operations of the business after the sale to determine whether bargaining rights will attach to the purchaser.

In cases where the purchaser may intend to move the business outside the geographic area, this may affect the union’s bargaining rights for the employees.

How can Zeilikman Law help?

With a sale of a business, especially in the context of a unionized workplace, it is important to evaluate and understand your options and legal obligations before making a choice.

Whether you are a union deciding whether to negotiate with a purchaser or a potential purchaser trying to determine whether to purchase a business, our experienced labour lawyers can provide the advice required and represent you in the course of a legal proceeding before a court or tribunal if necessary. 

Call us at 905-417-2227 to get started!

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.