Canadian Lawyer

counsel for the United Food Commercial Workers Union in 2008's Hubner v. United Food Commercial Workers Union, Local 2008, where the union tried to withhold information from its members until they signed a non-disclosure clause. While the Labour Board ultimately found the union could not withhold the financial records for this reason, it also found it was within the powers of the union organization to provide for such measures in its constitution. The Superior Court of B.C. found the UFCWU Then there is strategically sensitive information. Glavin was PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY Supreme Court of Canada Counsel and Agency Services Henry S. Brown, QC Brian A. Crane, QC Guy Régimbald Graham Ragan Matthew Estabrooks Eduard J. Van Bemmel, Law Clerk was not in contempt of court by taking this position. "The reason the union didn't want disclosure on the Internet of detailed information is that, generally speaking, it is a private organization but more so, because it is strategically important," explains Glavin. "The defence fund, the strike fund, the general coffers; those are of considerable interest to employers engaged in collective bargaining, informing them of the union' strength to resist a lock-out or engage in a strike." Glavin also points out that when legal opinions are obtained, their subject matter would have to be at least generally described. In Fraser' s relative favour of employers. "Unions are in an inherently adversarial position with employers, and they don't have a commensurate obligation for transparency. 160 Elgin StreetSuite 2600OttawaOntarioK1P 1C3T 613-233-1781 montréalottawatorontohamiltonwaterloo regioncalgaryvancouverbeijingmoscowlondon need to be fine tuned to be more focussed on particular interests such as political contributions and salaries of executive directors, but even targeting the disclosure of political activities and con- tributions is legally controversial. The Supreme Court of Canada has repeatedly characterized unions as "mini-democracies" that are rightfully entitled to support political causes. "To the extent that members are concerned, they can get involved and attempt to influence the direction of the trade union with respect to the position it takes on economic and social issues. The Supreme Court found that members can hold the leaders accountable, says Glavin. " Tremayne also concedes the bill will " ntitled-1 1 Over1,800 MembersacrossCanada Find a Professional Mediator / Arbitrator 18774754353 arbitrator Announcing CanLNC Experts ntitled-1 1 Case Merit Service: An invaluable early assessment of case facts, issues, players and strength MEDICAL MALPRACTICE PERSONAL INJURY CLASS ACTION TESTIFYING OR CONSULTING PLAINTIFF OR DEFENCE 12-06-08 9:18 AM 12-01-17 10:50 AM Let us open right door for you the We specialize in Employment and Labour Law in Canada Kuretzky Vassos Henderson is a leading employment and labour law fi rm situated in the heart of Toronto. We are comprised of eleven lawyers, all of whom specialize in the area of employment and labour law. We act for many prominent public and private sector employers as well as for individuals. The experts you need, The quality you deserve. www.CanLNCExperts.ca 855-278-9273 (toll free) Experts@CanLNCExperts.ca Kuretzky Vassos Henderson LLP Our work includes extensive experience in the areas of: Wrongful dismissal • Human rights • Labour relations/Labour law/Collective barganing • Workplace health and safety • Sexual harassment • Employment standards • Employment contracts • Canada Labour Code • Class actions • Mediation/arbitration/ADR www.kuretzkyvassos.com • 416.865.0504 www.CANADIAN Lawyermag.com N O VEMBER / D ECEMBER 2012 45 ntitled-2 1 12-10-23 9:27 AM uretzky_CL_May_11.indd 1 4/14/11 10:32:23 AM s view, bill C-377 tips the balance too strongly in

• Cover