Richard J. Charney is a partner in Dentons Canada LLP’s national Employment and Labour group, where he practices management labour relations and employment law. Widely recognized as an advocate for national and local clients, he advises employers and employers’ organizations on complex workplace matters and represents them in significant labour relations proceedings.
For more than 10 years, Mr. Charney served as the global head of the employment and labour practice of a leading international law firm, giving him a broad perspective on workforce strategy, regulatory change and labour relations across jurisdictions. His work spans federally and provincially regulated employers, and he is frequently engaged when an organization is facing a significant bargaining, legislative or litigation issue.
Mr. Charney acts for employers and employers’ organizations before provincial and federal labour relations boards, the courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, and rights and interest labour arbitration tribunals. He advises on the full range of employment and labour matters, including legislative reform, and represents employers in collective bargaining. His practice includes employment standards, human rights, wrongful dismissal, workplace health and safety compliance and defence, and constitutional law. Richard works closely with clients to assess legal and operational risks, develop practical labour strategies and advance their interests through negotiation, arbitration and court proceedings.
He is particularly active before national labour tribunals, such as the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), which has jurisdiction over transportation and similar national industries; the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB), including in provincial industries such as construction; and in judicial review challenges to tribunal determinations in the federal and provincial superior courts.
Mr. Charney is also a leading labour counsel to a variety of well-known arts and cultural organizations across Canada, helping clients manage risk, navigate change and pursue practical outcomes in complex unionized and employment-related matters.
