Federal Lawyers to Apply for Certification

The Association of Justice Counsel Garnered Majority Support from Justice Counsel Across Canada

OTTAWA, April 1 /CNW Telbec/ - The Association of Justice Counsel (AJC)
filed an application with the Public Service Labour Relations Board today to
become certified as the exclusive bargaining agent for lawyers and notaries
employed by Justice Canada. The AJC concluded its two-month organizing drive
yesterday with majority support from counsel working in Justice offices across
Canada.
"We are very pleased with these results," said Patrick Jetté, president
of the AJC. "This is the confirmation that Justice counsel want better
conditions of employment and we are ready to start bargaining as soon as the
AJC becomes certified."
Until recently, the law did not authorize Federal Crown lawyers to
unionize. However, the new Public Service Labour Relations Act, which came
into force yesterday, March 31st, removed this prohibition on Justice Lawyers
who are now allowed to form a bargaining unit and engage in collective
bargaining.

About the AJC

The Association of Justice Counsel was formed in January 2002 as a
voluntary association devoted exclusively to defending the rights of Justice
lawyers and notaries. It has been recognized officially by the Department of
Justice and by the Treasury Board as a representative of the Justice counsel
group on employment issues.
Once the AJC becomes certified, it will represent nearly 2,500 counsel
working in 12 Justice offices throughout Canada.

For further information: Chantal Chamberland, (450) 969-0598, Cell.:
(514) 773-6219