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Michael F. Horvat

Partner Admitted to the Ontario Bar: 1999
People > Michael F. Horvat

Michael guides his clients through their labour and employment law issues by providing them with practical solutions that balance their workplace legal needs with the organization’s long-term goals. Michael regularly provides strategic advice for managing human resources, helping his clients navigate their obligations and provides remedies to avoid workplace conflict. Michael provides counsel for developing policies and procedures to help his clients manage their workplace and, when necessary, litigate to defend his clients' interests. 

Michael is a member of the firm's Workplace Law Group. His practice focuses on all aspects of labour and employment law in both the federal and provincial jurisdictions. He advises employers in a number of industries, including, manufacturing, transportation, retail, electrical distribution, construction, and financial services on various matters, including employment standards, human rights, discipline, discharge, union certification, grievances, wrongful dismissal, executive employment matters, transactions, as well as general labour and employment law issues.

Michael represents employers before the courts and administrative tribunals, such as the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Divisional Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Grievance Settlement Board, the Canadian Railway Office of Arbitration, the Ontario Employment Standards Branch, the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and in grievance arbitration and mediation.

Michael is a regular speaker and writer on employment and labour law matters.

Professional Involvement

Memberships

  • Ontario Bar Association

Selected Speaking Engagements

"Employment Law Update," CFAA Rental Housing Conference, June 7, 2017.

"Trending Labour and Employment Issues in the Automotive Parts Industry," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, June 6, 2017.

"Dealing with the Difficult Employee," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, April 25, 2017.

"Emerging Issues in Human Rights: Family Status and Transgender Accommodation in Employment," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, February 28, 2017.

"A Year in Review: Top Issues in Employment Law," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, January 24, 2017.

"Tough Questions, Difficult Answers and Head Scratchers: A&B Workplace Law Lawyers Answer Your Questions," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, October 25, 2016.

"The Employment Contract: From Marriage to Divorce," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, September 27, 2016.

Selected Publications

"Big Changes are Coming for Ontario Workplaces! Ontario Government Announces Intent to Amend Employment Standards Act," Co-authored with Meghan Cowan, Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, June 1, 2017.

"Ontario’s Changing Workplaces Review: A Focus on Penalties and Enforcement of Employment and Labour Standards in the Province," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, May 26, 2017.

"You Asked, We Answered: Dealing with the Difficult Employee," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, May 17, 2017.

"Legalized Marijuana – Another Balancing Act for Employers," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, April 18, 2017.

"The Last Word? Enforcing Termination Clauses and Employment Agreements," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, March 22, 2017.

"Employee Surveillance," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, February 22, 2017.

"Reasonable Notice Periods – A Multimillion Dollar Warning," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, January 31, 2017.

"You Asked, We Answered: Top Issues in Employment Law," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, January 31, 2017.

"Off-Duty Conduct: What Can Happen When Employees Go Viral," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, October 19, 2016.

Insights

Publications Article May 09, 2019 The Duty to Accommodate: A Cooperative and Collaborative Process
Publications Article Apr 10, 2019 You Asked, We Answered: Managing Absenteeism in the Workplace
Publications Article Mar 18, 2019 Employers’ Dilemma – Did Misconduct at Work Feed the Addiction or Did the Addiction Blind the Employee to Her Actions?
Publications Article Feb 28, 2019 When You Become Dependent on Independent Contractors: The Risk to Employers
Publications Article Jan 24, 2019 You Asked, We Answered: Top Workplace Law Issues
Publications Article Dec 07, 2018 Additional Changes to Ontario Employment Standards – Hours of Work and Overtime Averaging
Publications Article Dec 06, 2018 What Happens at the Office Holiday Party Doesn’t Necessarily Stay at the Party
Publications Article Oct 24, 2018 Bill 148 – Barely Here and Now Gone
Publications Article Oct 23, 2018 Cannabis Legalization in Canada is Here Answers to Your Most-Asked Cannabis in the Workplace Questions
Publications Article Sep 19, 2018 Bill 148 Update: Getting Ready for “On-Call” Changes to the Employment Standards Act
Publications Article May 15, 2018 ESA Update: Ontario Set to Return to Its Former Public Holiday Pay Calculation
Publications Article May 15, 2018 Collective Agreement Benefits vs. Paid Emergency Leave – First Look After Bill 148
Insights EnergyInsider Nov 23, 2017 Ontario Government Passes Sweeping Changes to Employment Standards Legislation
Publications Article Nov 23, 2017 Ontario Government Passes Sweeping Changes to Employment Standards Legislation
Publications Article Oct 27, 2017 Accommodation Before Frustration – Addressing Long-Term Absence from the Workplace

Education

  • LLB, Osgoode Hall Law School, 1997
  • BA (Hons), York University, 1993

Expertise