Court of Appeal releases Judgment in Bank Overtime Cases.

TORONTO, June 26, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ontario Court of Appeal released its decision this morning in two national overtime class actions: Fresco v. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Fulawka v. Bank of Nova Scotia.   In unanimous judgments written by Chief Justice Warren Winkler, the court ruled that both cases should be certified as class actions.

The plaintiffs in both cases were jointly represented by the firms Roy Elliott O'Connor and Sack Goldblatt Mitchell.

Ms. Fresco, a customer service representative (teller) at CIBC and Ms. Fulawka  a former personal banker at Scotiabank each represented a class of thousands of employees.  Both are gratified at the result and look forward to having their claims resolved by the court as soon as possible.

Louis Sokolov, co-lead counsel from Sack Goldblatt Mitchell,  said "These decisions are significant for employees across the country  and  a rejection of efforts by  employers who try and restrict access to the courts by dividing and conquering."

David O'Connor, co-lead counsel from Roy Elliott O'Connor, said "These decisions take into account the practical reality of workplaces and the fact that employees may be quite reluctant to make individual claims against their employers.  These class actions will provide the vehicle to address those potential claims on their merits.  A very good day for employees and access to justice."

David O'Connor - [phone]   Louis Sokolov - [phone]