Precedents to Remember from a Year to Forget: Major caselaw and legislative update
PANEL SUMMARY
In this session, top advocates will review the year’s most important cases and legislative developments of particular interest in Atlantic Canada, addressing issues such as current approaches to the assessment of disciplinary penalties, the evolving accommodation of medical cannabis use, and changes in attitude toward the enforceability of last-chance agreements. Final selection of topics will take place in the weeks leading up to the conference, ensuring coverage of the latest and most important developments.
Key Issues in Settling Cases: Releases, confidentiality, non-disparagement, and other related issues
PANEL SUMMARY
When workplace parties agree to resolve a dispute that is headed for arbitration, it can be tempting to quickly draw up minutes of settlement and close the file. However, a settlement agreement that fails to consider key issues can create further litigation and animosity once parties realize they didn’t get the deal they thought they had agreed on. In this session, leading experts will work through a scenario that explores some of the tips, traps, and tax implications that can arise when settling cases and will discuss strategies to overcome these obstacles.
Labour Relations in a COVID-Affected World: Returning to work and adjusting to pandemic-induced changes
PANEL SUMMARY
Atlantic Canada has fared better at keeping COVID-19 at bay than most other parts of Canada, but employers, unions, and workers have not been spared massive disruption. In the face of changing and conflicting public health guidelines and legislative responses, difficult decisions regarding appropriate workplace precautions have had to be made. Yet more challenges lie ahead. In this session, prominent employer and union representatives will discuss the lessons learned, flag the challenges on the horizon, and identify essential legal and labour relations principles that workplace parties need to keep in mind.
Do’s and Don’ts of Disciplinary Investigations: How to conduct them, what to avoid, how to deal with the difficult issues
PANEL SUMMARY
Following allegations of workplace misconduct, conducting a fair and effective investigation is vital. As a flawed investigation can result in irreparable harm and significant liability, it is essential for workplace parties to understand and fulfill their legal obligations while minimizing workplace disruption. In this session, experts will discuss best practices for disciplinary investigations and explore strategies for addressing common and emerging challenges.