Employment, Labour & HR Advice

OUR Employment & Labour Lawyers Group

Our experienced lawyers  advise local small, medium and large businesses throughout British Columbia on all employment and labour related matters. See the full description of our Services below. Our Employment Group lawyers are located in Abbotsford, Surrey, Langley and Vancouver.

Our main goal is to empower our clients with the knowledge to make the right decisions in their workplace. We do this by educating employers on their rights and obligations and tirelessly working with them to achieve the outcome that meets their objectives.

The modern workplace is ever-changing and presents novel challenges for businesses. We can help not only to protect your interests but to give you the edge you need to come out on top.

WHY CHOOSE KSW LAWYERS?

We see all the angles. Unlike other business advisors or law firms, our Group’s broad and diverse knowledge base covers the full spectrum of workplace law. Not only do we handle wrongful dismissal and human rights matters for employers, we are the only Group east of the Fraser River that also practices in labour/union law, WorkSafeBC, occupational health and safety, EI & CPP, admin law, disability insurance, and shareholder disputes. There is no area of the workplace that we can’t help with. And we handle all cases, big and small.

We are versatile. Just as our knowledge is broad, so is our skill-set. Our preference is to resolve disputes as early as possible through careful consultation, advice, planning. In this regard we are trusted advisors and skilled negotiators. However, when the other party is not willing to resolve matters fairly, we put on our robes and go to Court. We are seasoned litigators in all levels of Court and familiar with the rules and regulations specific to every federal and provincial workplace tribunals. If the tribunal decision isn’t favourable, we are experienced in judicial review too.

We are experienced. Recent changes in the legal industry are creating many new employment lawyers. We have been doing this for a long time and have over 65 years of experience between our four team members.

We are local. We live in the communities that we serve. We care about those communities and take part in them every day through participation in local events, chambers of commerce, and pro bono activities. Living and working locally allows us to provide the quality of service of a downtown law firm but at affordable rates.

KSW Employment & Labour Group is here to empower our clients in the workplace.

Our Employment & Labour Group lawyers include: Chris DrinovzMichael WeilerMelanie BoothJesse DunningJunki Hong and Alejandra (Ale) Henao.

Leading Lawyers Skilled in Workplace & Employment Law Advice

Legal Services for Employers

Initial Consultation

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KSW Employment Law Employer Resources Portal

OUR SERVICES

EMPLOYMENT LAW

Employment & Human Resources Advice for Businesses

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Recruiting & Hiring Advice
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Drafting Employment Contracts
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Policy Manual Development
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Compensation Plans & Benefits
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Performance & Attendance Management

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Termination of Employment – Discipline & Termination: Dismissal Planning, Reasonable Notice & Just Cause Advice

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Wrongful Dismissal Litigation
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Workplace Investigations
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Navigating the Employment Standards Act
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Protecting Confidential Information
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Drafting & Enforcing Non-Compete/Solicit Agreements
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Departing Employee Issues & Injunctions
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Shareholder/Employee Disputes including Oppression Remedies

At KSW Lawyers, our Employment & Labour Group is committed to taking a thorough approach when it comes to advising employers regarding employee issues, human resource legal issues, and discipline and termination where necessary.

We take the time to understand your business and your goals and to answer any questions you may have. We aim to find a resolution that offers the best possible outcome with the least amount of stress and at a reasonable cost.

HUMAN RIGHTS

Human Rights Issues at the Workplace – Advice for Businesses

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Advice on Avoiding Human Rights Claims
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Duty to Accommodate Advice
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Managing the Absent Employee
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Disability Claim Management and Advice

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Managing the Absent Employee
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Succession Planning for Older Employees
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Mediation of Human Rights Complaints
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Representation BC Human Rights Tribunal Hearings

More human rights complaints are being started against employers on a regular basis. It has become increasingly difficult for employers to maintain compliance with the fast evolving law in this area.

Our experienced team helps employers navigate and understand the connection between human rights and other related workplace issues or principles to be able to achieve their organizational goals while eliminating or reducing risk and liability.

KSW Lawyers - Serving the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland
WORKERS COMPENSATION / WORKSAFEBC

Workers’ Compensation Advice and Representation for Employers

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WCB Claims Management

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Appeals Representation

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Defending Prohibited Action Complaints

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Protest & Appeal of Unfounded Claims by Employees
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Financial and Cost Management for Claims and WCB Premiums

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Audits and Classification Reviews

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Appeal of Penalty Orders & Fines
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Occupational Health & Safety Compliance Advice
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Drafting Compliant WorkSafeBC Bullying & Harassment Policies

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Training and Education

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Judicial Reviews of Appeal (WCAT) Decisions

Our Group’s Workers’ Compensation Team understands that matters relating to WCB claims can be stressful and overwhelming for businesses. We are a leading law firm in Workers’ Compensation advice in BC and our Team stay on top of industry trends to serve our client’s needs. We are here to provide expert advice and representation on all workers’ compensation matters.

WorkSafeBC manages the procedures and protocols associated with the benefits that are paid out to workers under the Workers Compensation Act. Worker claims lead to increased premiums that add up overtime for employers. But many businesses don’t know that there are many ways to manage claims to stop a minor injury from becoming prolonged and expensive.

Our Team strives to understand your company’s specific needs, to offer cost-effective advice, and to reduce the cost of work-related injury claims through prevention, return to work initiatives, attentive case management and direct Board intervention.

LABOUR LAW

Labour Relations and Union Advice for Employers

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Strategies to Avoid Union Organizing
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Defeating Union Organizing Drives & Applications for Certification
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Defending Charges of Unfair Labour Practices
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Applying for Relief from Picketing & Strikes
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Acting as Spokesperson in Collective Bargaining
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Advice on Collective Agreement
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Representation at Labour Relations Board and Related Court Applications
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Labour Disputes and Injunctions

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General Strategic Planning

Recent changes to the Labour Relations Code have been worker-centric and focused on unions and less in the interest of employers. There are further recommendations that might result in additional significant changes impacting an employer’s ability to respond to sudden union drives, certification applications, investigations, strikes, negotiations etc. 

Our Employment & Labour Group senior lawyer Mike Weiler has been providing advice on labour relations matters for over 35 years, and is ready to assist businesses in navigating these tricky waters and helping them gain more equal footing with the sophisticated and financially resourceful unions, whose sole focus is to organize and represent employees.

Best Employment lawyers in Surrey
Best Employment lawyers in Langley
Best Employment lawyers in Abbotsford
OUR EMPLOYMENT & LABOUR GROUP LAWYERS
Chris Drinovz

Chris Drinovz

Partner

Michael J. Weiler

Michael J. Weiler

Fayme Hodal

Fayme Hodal

Alejandra (Ale) Henao

Alejandra (Ale) Henao

Junki Hong

Junki Hong

Jesse Dunning

Jesse Dunning

Melanie Booth

Melanie Booth

"I was directed to Christopher D. Drinovz to assist with wrongful termination and severance negotiation. Chris went out of his way to ensure I understood applicable laws and process and helped me to negotiate a much better settlement than I was originally offered. Chris is highly recommended and is now my go-to lawyer for all employment related needs. Chris was even kind enough to review a new offer from another employer and ensure I didn’t end up in a similar situation I had with my last employer. Being proactive is the name of the game and understanding employment law can be a huge challenge. If you have questions or concerns regarding your employment situation look no further than Chris and KSW!

Aly Abji

"My partner and I run an independent insurance adjusting company. Chris created our employee contract, which he crafted for our very specific needs. Chris was committed to ensuring we had the most customized document, catering to both our company and our employees. He was dedicated, personable, flexible and timely. His knowledge and service was extremely professional. We highly recommend Chris Drinovz and his team's services to anyone.”

David Clenahan CIP

CEO, CLENLAW INVESTIGATION & ADJUSTING INC

Blog

View Our Latest Blog

Stay updated with our latest blogs, events and newsletters.

Covid-19 Resources for Employers in BC

Our Employment Lawyers provide resources for Employers regarding Covid-19 and the Workplace. | KSW Lawyers

HR Done Right! Tips from an Employment Lawyer

Our Employment & Labour Lawyers provide tips and answer top HR questions regarding management and legal compliance at the workplace received from Business Owners and Human Resources Professionals.

BC Paid Sick Leave – What Employers Should Know

Our Employment Lawyers answer top Employer questions regarding the new BC Paid Sick Leave effective January 1, 2022. | KSW Lawyers

Covid-19 Vaccination Policies: First Arbitrator Decisions Issued Upholding or Overturning Employer Policies

Our Employment Lawyers summarize the first few arbitrator decisions issued upholding or overturning employer Covid-19 Vaccination Policies. | KSW Lawyers

Eight Month Car Dealer Employee Receives 5 Months Notice from BC Supreme Court

Our Employment Lawyers summarize key points from decision awarding an 8 month employee 5 months notice period. | KSW Lawyers

Just Cause in Non Profit Organizations – Reason for Employers to be More Optimistic in Proving Their Case

Our Employment Lawyers summarize key points from decisions covering Just Cause terminations in Non Profit Organizations – Reason for Employers to be More Optimistic in Proving Their Case | KSW Lawyers

BC Human Rights Update November 2021

Our Employment Lawyers summarize recent developments from the BC Human Rights Tribunal including current challenge to the “family status” discrimination test. | KSW Lawyers

Get in touch with our Employment & Labour Team Today

DISCLAIMER

“My partner and I run an independent insurance adjusting company. Chris created our employee contract, which he crafted for our very specific needs. Chris was committed to ensuring we had the most customized document, catering to both our company and our employees. He was dedicated, personable, flexible and timely. His knowledge and service was extremely professional. We highly recommend Chris Drinovz and his team’s services to anyone.”

David Clenahan CIP

CEO, CLENLAW INVESTIGATION & ADJUSTING INC

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