Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Labour Law but were Afraid to Ask

Ottawa—Ever wanted to know the in's and out's of employment law? How about the intricacies of managing in a unionized environment? This Winter, two evening courses offered in Ottawa will traverse these topics, and will provide learners the basis to understand the law as it affects workplaces in Ontario.

Introduction to Employment Law (course no. #114-03) will cover the contractual basis of all employment relationships, and will introduce the new Employment Standards Act, 2000, the Human Rights Code, and other legislation that affects the workplace. Anyone who manages employees, or who wants to know her employment rights in Ontario, will benefit from this course, offered Wednesday evenings, starting February 4, 2004.

Managing in a Unionized Workplace (course no. #115-02) canvases the supervision of unionized employees. What affect does a collective agreement have on a workplace? How are unionized employees disciplined and fired? What is the role of a shop steward? These questions will be answered Tuesday evenings, starting February 3, 2004. Anyone who manages unionized workers, or who has an interest in labour relations, will benefit from this course.

Both courses are taught by Jorge Talbott, a local Ottawa labour lawyer and management consultant who has worked with many of Ottawa's employers and also on behalf of aggrieved employees. Formerly a Director of Human Resources for a national non-governmental organization, Talbott is also a well known writer on labour law and labour relations. His publications include Impact: Labour Law and Management Practices, a best-selling monthly newsletter for Canada Law Book. He has written for Workforce magazine, and Update—the magazine of the Ottawa Human Resources Professional Association. His website eWorkLaw.ca keeps lawyers and the public up to date on changes in Canadian labour and employment law.

The cost is $136 for each class. Both courses are offered at Ridgemont High School in Ottawa, Ontario. To register for either course—both of which are two hours a night for 8 nights—contact the Ottawa-Carleton District Public School Board’s Continuing Education Division at (613) 239-2325 or by fax at (613) 239-2324. For more information, grab a copy of the Winter Learning Magazine in pdf format (5 megabytes) or get a hard copy by emailing the school board.