Ryan Newell

Ryan Newell became a lawyer in order to fight for social justice. His days are now spent living out that goal, by enforcing the rights of trade unions and workers.

Ryan represents trade unions in a wide variety of industries in a broad range of disputes. He approaches his clients’ problems with a curiosity about their unique workplace reality, whether it be a hospital, a factory, a construction site, or a cubicle. He provides advice and representation to unions as they organize new workplaces, engage in collective bargaining, and enforce their collective agreements. He approaches every dispute with an eye for detail, a radar for creative solutions, and a readiness to litigate. He has represented trade unions at the Ontario Labour Relations Board (“OLRB”), the Grievance Settlement Board, the Human Rights Tribunal, and in grievance arbitration.

His victories at the OLRB include helping to certify a homeless shelter, defending against a decertification application brought by a manager, and blocking an employer’s efforts to unilaterally convert its pension plan. His victories in private grievance arbitration include getting a terminated employee reinstated, forcing an employer to accommodate a disabled employee, obtaining a wage increase for dispatchers forced to assume a bunch of new duties, and protecting the duties of Registered Practical Nurses from being transferred outside of the bargaining unit.

Ryan also acts for individual employees in their workplace disputes, including those who have been terminated without cause.

When he’s not litigating or playing with his kids, you may find Ryan running, riding his bike, or listening to his ever-expanding collection of vinyl records.