Article content

One of Canada’s top labour law firms, which touts itself as distinguished for its “commitment to equality and social justice,” is facing strike action by its clerical employees, who say it underpays staff relative to competitors.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or 'Lawyers are cheap': Clerical workers go on strike at top Toronto labour law firm Cavalluzzo Back to video

Workers at Cavalluzzo Shilton McIntyre Cornish LLP began picketing the law firm’s downtown Toronto offices Tuesday, after collective bargaining negotiations stalled over a general wage increase and pension issues.

“We think the lawyers are cheap and they’re not willing to share their wealth,” said Ken Cole, president of Unifor 333, in an interview. “Employees are being paid extremely below the market average in this industry and they’re a labour law firm so it’s quite bizarre for them to treat them this way.”

Founded in 1983 by Paul Cavalluzzo, Jim Hayes, and Elizabeth Shilton, Cavalluzzo specializes in employment and labour law, and has itself negotiated collective agreements for unions and other organizations.