Hicks Morley lawyers represent a variety of national and regional companies that own, operate or manage hotels, motels, restaurants, water parks and conference facilities.

The hospitality industry is labour-intensive with a wide variety of challenging employment and labour issues. We understand the needs and challenges of our hospitality clients and are knowledgeable about industry trends. Our focus is on avoiding problems where possible and resolving issues quickly, efficiently and economically.

We have been actively involved with collective bargaining with various unions in the industry and continue to remain involved with bargaining challenges. Bargaining issues raised by unions require a strategic approach.  Our advice addresses the specific problem at hand, while also considering the impact on the hospitality industry as a whole.

Our lawyers are involved with managing employee issues by training managers on how to avoid arbitration at the outset and by assisting with grievances that must proceed to arbitration. We are also involved with providing advice and representation on matters that proceed to court in wrongful dismissal claims, disability claims or claims filed by guests or third parties alleging harassment or discrimination.

We bring a depth and breadth of human resources expertise in addressing many other issues that specifically relate to this sector. We assist with performance management, leave of absence requests, employment insurance claims, human rights complaints filed by employees or guests, and privacy issues raised by employees or guests. We are also actively involved in regulatory compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.

Our lawyers speak at the Hotel Human Resources Professional Association and stay up-to-date with activities sponsored by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and Tourism Toronto.