Cuddy Chicks Ltd v Ontario (Labour Relations Board)

Supreme court of Canada in summer

Cuddy Chicks Ltd v Ontario (Labour Relations Board) is a landmark Canadian labour law case that was decided by the Supreme Court of Canada in 1991. The case is significant for its interpretation of the definition of "employee" under labour legislation, and its implications for labour relations and collective bargaining rights in Canada.

Background

The case originated when Cuddy Chicks Ltd, a company involved in the production and sale of poultry, was challenged by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. The union sought to represent a group of workers at Cuddy Chicks Ltd, who were primarily engaged in the catching of chickens for transport. The company contested the union's certification application on the grounds that the workers in question were independent contractors, not employees, and therefore not entitled to collective bargaining rights under the Ontario Labour Relations Act.

Decision of the Ontario Labour Relations Board

The Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) ruled in favor of the union, finding that the chicken catchers were indeed employees of Cuddy Chicks Ltd. The OLRB's decision was based on a variety of factors, including the level of control the company had over the workers' duties and the integral nature of their work to the company's business operations.

Judicial Review

Cuddy Chicks Ltd appealed the OLRB's decision to the Divisional Court, which upheld the Board's ruling. The company then sought further review from the Court of Appeal for Ontario, which also affirmed the decision. Ultimately, the case was brought before the Supreme Court of Canada.

Supreme Court of Canada Decision

The Supreme Court of Canada upheld the decisions of the lower courts and the OLRB, confirming that the chicken catchers were employees of Cuddy Chicks Ltd. The Court's decision was based on a broad interpretation of the term "employee" within the context of labour relations legislation. The Court emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable workers and ensuring their access to collective bargaining rights. The ruling underscored the principle that the substance of the employment relationship, rather than the form, should determine the application of labour protections.

Impact

The decision in Cuddy Chicks Ltd v Ontario (Labour Relations Board) has had a profound impact on labour law in Canada, particularly in the area of defining who is considered an employee for the purposes of labour relations and collective bargaining. The case has been cited in numerous subsequent legal decisions and has influenced the approach taken by labour relations boards and courts in assessing employment relationships.

See Also

• Labour law
• Supreme Court of Canada
• Ontario Labour Relations Board
• Collective bargaining
• Employment law