Mississauga labour law services group helps businesses understand their rights
Corporations or businesses that are negotiating a collective agreement often have many questions, concerns, and fears. Some may believe that a union will separate the company management from its employees. Others worry about losing control of their business and the culture that has been carefully developed over time. Mr. Gary Bennett, an experienced labour lawyer in Mississauga has been helping businesses navigate their relationships with unions for many years. Mr. Bennett provides a vast array of labour and employment law services to both unionized employers and unions which offers him a unique perspective on both sides.
While it’s hard to generalize about whether a union will help or hurt your business, there are several important things to note:
- Unions often standardize pay and benefits across the organization. In companies where there is a disparity in pay among similarly situated employees, unions ensure that all such employees are compensated in the same way. This can be extremely valuable to employees. However, through collective bargaining, unions seek to increase wages and benefits, which can cause a significant increase in the operational costs of the organization.
- Unions also formalize the process for complaints and disputes. If you’ve wished for an easier way to manage employee complaints, then a union might be your answer. When a collective agreement is in place, employees must follow a set process to raise a grievance. This formalizes the complaint process for the company and allows a structured method for the employee to ensure their voice is heard.
- Unions tend to favor seniority. While seniority is a well-understood system enforced by unions, seniority often creates a hierarchical process that makes it hard for companies to promote great employees with less seniority who show potential to grow. It can also make it difficult to remove an employee who is not performing well who has a lot of seniority.
- Unions will influence your organizational culture: Unions can help build a culture within an organization by helping new employees get assimilated faster, providing a network of support, and reducing turnover. However, the union can also develop a culture that is different or at odds with its leadership values, causing conflict and confusion. Additionally, many feel that the union versus management structure immediately puts the employee at odds with the company they serve.
Collective agreements can be valuable for both corporations and employees, but they should not be created or agreed to without serious thought, significant conversation and legal advice. For more information about the legal rights of unions and companies contact Gary Bennett today at (365) 800-2090.
