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August 19, 2013 Law Times
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Open Le er to Bob Ward, CEO of Legal Aid Ontario
Dear Mr. Ward,
It has been three months since we rst requested that you meet with us to discuss
recogni on of our right to collec ve bargaining, which has the support of
approximately 80% of Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) lawyers. Despite our a empts to
follow up with you on this original request, we have heard nothing in response
except that you are considering your posi on. We write to urge you once again to
recognize our cons tu onal right to associate and bargain collec vely.
We feel strongly that Legal Aid lawyers require a formal bargaining agreement with
LAO in order to make heard our communal concerns, par cularly those rela ng to
the protec on of our professional and ethical obliga ons. Our clients come from
Ontario's most marginalized popula ons and experience injus ce every day. We are
commi ed to providing LAO clients with top-quality representa on worthy of any
Ontarian. It is our hope and our belief that a collec ve bargaining agreement with
LAO will improve the quality of our service.
As you know, Legal Aid lawyers – an ethnically diverse group consis ng of a majority of
women – are the only remaining provincial public sector lawyers who do not enjoy
the right to collec vely bargain. We are merely seeking the rights and protec ons of
our public sector peers. In short, we do not know what is le for you to consider.
We are, and will remain, commi ed to this cause. We await your response.
Sincerely,
The Legal Aid Lawyers' Campaign Commi ee
info@laolawyers.ca
www.laolawyers.ca
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