Federal lawyers become unionized: Association of Justice Counsel certified as their bargaining agent

7 May 2006

The Public Service Labour Relations Board (PSLRB) announced, on Friday, April 28, its decision to certify the Association of Justice Counsel (AJC) as the exclusive bargaining agent for all lawyers and notaries (LAs) employed in the federal public service.

The president of the AJC, Patrick Jetté, welcomed the ruling stating that: "For the first time in history, our members will be able to negotiate their terms and conditions of employment."

As part of its ruling, the PSLRB decided that there shall be only one bargaining agent for all Crown lawyers and notaries, thus turning down an application from the Federal Lawyers of the Crown (FLOC), an organisation seeking to represent a group of counsel working in the Department of Justice's Ontario Regional Office. In addition to former FLOC members, the AJC will also welcome lawyers and notaries who were previously represented by the Professional Institute of Public Service of Canada (PIPSC). "We are pleased to welcome these new members to our ranks," declared Mr. Jetté. "Together, we can work toward achieving our common goals such as obtaining salary parity with Ontario government lawyers."

Since its creation in 2002, the AJC has largely operated through the volunteer efforts of its council members. Although it sat on various employer committees and succeeded to a certain extent in improving the working conditions of its members, the AJC had, until today, only limited powers to influence decisions and effect real change.

In the past, the law precluded federal Crown lawyers and notaries from unionizing, but the new Public Service Labour Relations Act, which came into force a year ago, removed this prohibition. The AJC held a certification campaign in February and March of 2005 and garnered the support of a majority of Justice lawyers and notaries across the country. The AJC then filed its application with the PSLRB on April 1st and the certification hearings were held in November and December.

About the AJC

The Association of Justice Counsel was formed in January 2002 as a voluntary association devoted exclusively to defending the rights of lawyers and notaries working for the Canadian Department of Justice. In 2006, the AJC became certified as the exclusive bargaining agent representing nearly 2,500 counsel working in the federal public service throughout Canada.

For further information: Patrick Jetté, President, AJC, (613) 269-2888

Source: newswire

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