For nearly 30 years, Melissa has successfully represented trade unions and their members before a variety of labour tribunals, courts, and inquests and inquiries. While she is efficient at achieving results, she dedicates whatever time is necessary to her clients to ensure they feel comfortable and prepared to meet their objectives.
As a trusted legal advisor to many of the firm’s longest-standing clients, Melissa has successfully litigated a number of significant cases including:
- successfully arguing the first case (and additional cases since the first) to grant remedial certification to a union before the Ontario Labour Relations Board under Section 11 of the Labour Relations Act, RSO 1995;
- defeating termination applications against unions in the construction industry;
- successfully litigating and winning status disputes in certification applications.
In addition Melissa has assisted clients in reaching creative resolutions to cases without litigation.
In her labour law practice, she provides comprehensive and strategic advice to unions and associations in both the public and private sectors, including clients in the construction industry. She is an active speaker at client seminars and conferences on issues of interest to unions and their members.
She joined CaleyWray in 1989, and became a partner in 1994.