Koskie Minsky LLP to better prepare union leaders in the fight to preserve workers' rights

TORONTO, Feb. 2, 2015 /CNW/ - Workers and their labour rights are under attack in Canada's private and public sectors, according to Stephen Wahl, labour counsel at Koskie Minsky LLP. To better support Canadian workers and the unions that represent them, Wahl announced Koskie Minsky is expanding its labour relations practice to include strategy and training services for trade unions, their leaders, shop stewards and membership.

"Income inequality is growing while unionization rates drop — this is not a fluke," Wahl said. "Our aim is to help union members and executives better advocate for Canadian workers at the bargaining table, because union jobs are the best jobs in this country."

Beginning in April 2015, trade union clients will be able to retain some of Canada's most respected labour relations experts expressly as advisors and educators. Koskie Minsky will offer consultative services such as:

• Union representative training and education on a range of topics such as: organizing strategies and methodology; grievance/ arbitration; human rights; workers compensation; bankruptcy and insolvency; trade jurisdiction; occupational health and safety; and pension and employee benefit administration
• Mediation sessions and techniques
• Strike readiness and credibility
• Trade union strategic planning
• Collective bargaining.

Wahl will lead the team at Koskie Minsky, shifting his professional practice from labour-related litigation to educator and counsel and advisor.

"Steve Wahl is without doubt uniquely qualified to lead Koskie Minsky's new labour relations initiative," said Murray Gold, Managing Partner at Koskie Minsky. "We are very excited about this latest venture for our clients and the firm."

About Koskie Minsky LLP
Based in Toronto, Koskie Minsky LLP is widely acknowledged as one of Canada's pre-eminent firms in the areas of Trade Union Labour Law, Employment Law, Civil Litigation, Class Actions, and Pension & Benefits and its lawyers are consistently recommended in Chambers Global, the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and Best Lawyers in Canada.

SOURCE Koskie Minsky LLP

Ernie Schirru, 416-595-2142, 416-204-2893 (Fax), [email protected]