Member Login 
The following are frequently asked questions regarding the election for the LAO lawyers’ Interim Local Committee.
What is the Interim Local Committee?
The “Interim Local Committee” is what we are calling our bargaining committee. This group will be responsible for negotiating our first collective agreement. Members will perform one or more of the following functions:
At the table – responsible for preparing for and participating in meetings with the employer
Internal – responsible for surveying members and setting priorities for collective bargaining, conducting membership consultations and providing updates, maintaining regular contact with members
External – responsible for representing members’ interests in public and contacting and working with other stakeholders on issues of relevance to LAO lawyers.
Bargaining – the Interim Local Committee will set bargaining goals after consulting with the membership. Interim Local Committee members will be reimbursed for lost wages and benefits for time away from work and spent on bargaining and, on any travel and associated costs.
Who is eligible to run and vote for the Interim Local Committee?
Any Society member employed by Legal Aid Ontario may vote for candidates nominated to run in the election for Interim Local Committee so long as they are a member by April 25, 2017 at 6:00PM. Any Society member employed by Legal Aid Ontario is eligible to run in the election for Interim Local Committee so long as they are a member and have submitted their nomination form by April 13, 2017 at 6:00PM.
How do I become a Society member? How do I become a nominated candidate for Interim Local Committee?
If you are employed by Legal Aid Ontario in a Society represented position (i.e., you are an LAO staff lawyer), click here to download the membership form and follow the instructions on the form. Submit completed forms to langmaidl@thesociety.ca.
To be nominated as a candidate for Interim Local Committee, members must fill out the nomination form, which is available by clicking here.
I thought we voted to join The Society of United Professionals (SEP). Why do I need to sign a membership card?
While all LAO lawyers are represented by SEP in terms of collective agreement negotiation and administration, membership is voluntary. Among other rights and responsibilities of SEP membership is participation in the governance of the union. Only members can vote in union elections and only members can seek elected office in the union. This allows people who have objections to being a member of a union a way to opt out. However, because all represented employees benefit from the collective agreement negotiated and administered by SEP all LAO lawyers pay dues whether they sign-up for membership or not.
What is the difference between being represented by the Society and being a member of the Society?
Since a majority of LAO lawyers voted to be represented by the Society, we will be represented by the Society as our bargaining agent. Being a member is voluntary. Membership allows you to vote, run for office, serve on union committees, and benefit from the affinity program that provides access to discounts. It allows you to participate in Society activities.
How much are dues? Who pays dues? When do we start paying them?
Dues are $21.41 per week and are tax deductible. All Society-represented employees pay dues, regardless of whether or not they are members. Dues are not payable until the first collective agreement goes into effect. We have not yet begun bargaining the first collective agreement so it is not yet possible to say when dues collection will begin.