Toronto

Tense union negotiations the new norm?

February 14, 2012 Adam Gorley Employee Relations, Human Resources, Union Relations

It’s easy to see that that role of workers’ unions is changing, and unions no longer have the respect or power they once had. A couple of recent events in Ontario make that increasingly clear. Is this just how union relations work in the globalized and unsettled economy? Are unionized workers’ demands too great for these austere times?

austerity, Caterpillar, Collective Bargaining, CUPE, Electro-Motive, globalization, Hamilton, jobs for life, London, ontario, pay cut, recession, severance package, Toronto

A Tribute to Jack

August 23, 2011 Andrew Lawson Human Resources, Human Rights

I didn’t know Jack Layton personally. Like many Canadians–particularly Torontonians, I have met him a few times and and shook his hand at public appearances. His legacy for the readers of First Reference Talks is significant. He was a leader.

jack layton, leadership, ontario, politics, Toronto

Were the G8/G20 summits worth it? Tell us about your experience

June 28, 2010 Adam Gorley Employment/Labour Standards, Human Resources

Now that the big do is over, and the security fences are coming down in Toronto and Huntsville—hopefully—let’s take a moment to reflect on how all the hubbub of the G8/G20 summits affected local businesses.