From Jian Ghomeshi, to Scott Andrews, to Dalhousie Dentistry - this past year is one which has been dominated by allegations of sexual misconduct, including at the workplace. Maybe it's time to dust off that sexual harassment policy and see if it needs to be revised? Should the policy cover assault?  Should it focus on consent?  What if the complainant wants to remain anonymous?  What about bystanders?  Twila Reid will review the events of this past year and review the best practices for addressing sexual harassment at the workplace. 

 

Turner v. Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission

The Employer's Obligations When Handling the Termination of Employment

Greg Anthony, Partner, Cox & Palmer

Not only does an employer have a requirement to comply with statutory and contractual obligations upon the termination of employment, but you also have an obligation to act in good faith and to treat an employee fairly in regard to the manner of dismissal.  What are the potential ramifications of breaching this duty? This session will take a look at recent cases which have reviewed and discussed the employer's obligation of good faith and fair dealing, including the December 14, 2014 decision of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, Trial Division in Turner v. Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission.

 

Labour Relations in NLs Offshore Industry

Stephen Penney, Partner, Stewart McKelvey

Due to the large portion of NLs workforce employed in the offshore and related industries, policies and practices in this industry have the potential to influence all workplaces in the province. Steve Penney will speak about some recent developments in the law surrounding the oil and gas industry, and in particular, the unique the labour relations regime offshore Newfoundland and Labrador .He will discuss: issues involving the construction stage, and in particular, the impact of the "special project" designation on owners and the enforcement of site rules; recent Labour Relations Board decisions and arbitration awards relating to the composition of the bargaining unit offshore; and a recent arbitration award on the alcohol and drug policy on Hibernia.

Court Enforcement of Employment Contracts Do you have written employment contracts for your employees? Are they enforceable? Written employment contracts are invaluable tools to clearly set out expectations for performance and behaviour and to address certain issues, like notice of termination, over which there may be future disputes.  In this session, Darren Stratton will review recent decisions on the interpretation and enforcement of employment contracts.