Bernie Hanson

Bernie‘s practice focuses on arbitration and labour board representation for numerous private and public sector unions both federally and provincially. Bernie also specializes in education law and represents teacher federations and their members in matters arising under collective agreements and before the Ontario College of Teachers. Bernie provides policy and strategic advice to clients, in the area of collective bargaining, and collective agreement administration. He has a special interest in and knowledge of human rights, particularly the duty to accommodate, and frequently litigates cases on behalf of workers with disabilities.

Bernie has been instrumental in implementing alternative dispute resolution models to address backlogs of complex cases, particularly in the federal sphere on behalf of postal workers.

Bernie also provides pension advice and appears on behalf of clients before administrative tribunals addressing pension issues.

Bernie is an active educator. He presents annual Grievance Arbitration Workshops for a variety of unions and teacher federations. He presents and prepares material for Union Steward workshops covering all areas of labour relations and professional issues, including skills training in the presentation of grievances.