CIRB Learning Series - 2

What happens when a Company that has Unionized Employees buys another Company that has Unionized Employees? 

The CIRB (Canada Industrial Relations Board) process is a regulatory framework in Canada that governs various aspects of labor relations in federally regulated industries. When a Company buys another Company and both are unionized, the CIRB process may involve several steps:   

     1.Notification: The purchasing company (the successor employer) typically notifies the CIRB, the affected unions, and employees about the acquisition.   

     2.Consultation and Negotiation:The successor employer engages in consultations and negotiations with the affected unions regarding the impact of the acquisition on the employees' terms and conditions of employment. 

     3.Transfer of Collective Bargaining Rights:The CIRB oversees the transfer of collective bargaining rights from the acquired company to the purchasing company. This ensures that the rights of the employees represented by the union are protected during the acquisition process 

    4.Certification and Amending of Certificates:In the context of Company acquisitions involving union representation, the CIRB may certify the union representing the acquired company's employees under the new ownership. Alternatively, adjustments may be made to the existing certification to reflect the changes resulting from the acquisition.  

     5.Resolution of Disputes:The CIRB may intervene to resolve disputes that arise between the successor employer and the union(s) regarding the terms and conditions of employment, including issues related to seniority, job security, and benefits.  

Overall, the CIRB process aims to ensure that the rights of both Employers and Employees are respected during the acquisition of a unionized Company. It provides a mechanism for resolving disputes and facilitating the transition of labor relations under new ownership. 

**Please note these are only guidelines- as this is a legal process this may at times look different as determined by circumstances, facts, or legal considerations. Some steps may come before others or after.  This is meant to be a general overview of the process.**