Alex St. John (He/Him)
Lawyer
CONTACT INFORMATION
EDUCATION
- Call to the Bar, 2017
- Western University, J.D., 2016
MEMBERSHIPS
- Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers
- Ontario Bar Association
- Canadian Bar Association
Alex, a partner at the firm, is passionate about his advocacy for workplace rights. Alex’s sound judgment, determination and work ethic provide clients with guidance, clarity and confidence while navigating complex problems. He is just as capable of negotiating a fair resolution for his clients as he is at litigating cases in an efficient and practical manner to ensure a just result.
Alex takes particular pride in his problem-solving capabilities and his thoughtful approach to optimizing client outcomes – whether that be through advocating for generous, novel or creative settlement terms or through a careful yet forceful litigation strategy.
Alex practices primarily in the areas of civil litigation and labour law including on high profile and high stakes matters. He has represented both union clients and non-union employees at all levels of court in Ontario, at the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Canada Industrial Relations Board and in labour-arbitration proceedings. He has litigated against and negotiated with employers across a variety of industries including in the construction, manufacturing, finance, logistics, transportation, healthcare and energy sectors and leverages his experience and relationships in those industries during his representation of his clients.
Representative Proceedings
Defending the Right to Bargain and the Right to Strike
Alex, along with his colleagues Michael Wright, Danielle Stampley, and Nora Parker, successfully represented the Society of United Professionals at both the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal in their constitutional challenge to the Bill 124 wage suppression legislation, one of the most significant wins for workers in the Province of Ontario in recent decades.
Alex (along with several co-counsel including Tracey Henry and Danielle Stampley), successfully represented Teamsters Local Union 938 in injunction proceedings brought against them during a strike action. Alex and the team persuaded the Court to accept the Union’s position and permit peaceful picketing with reasonable restrictions. This successful outcome led directly to constructive and efficient bargaining of a new collective agreement, which was supported almost unanimously by the members.
Strengthening Rights for Non-unionized Employees in Wrongful or Constructive Dismissal Cases
Alex has gained significant experience assisting employees, including senior executives, in navigating employment issues during the entire lifespan of the employment relationship. Alex is well suited to provide advice before, during, and after the employment relationship ends.
Alex was co-counsel to the Plaintiff in Cormier v. St. Joseph Communications, a motion for summary judgment in which the Plaintiff was successfully awarded wrongful dismissal damages and unpaid wages. Alex was co-counsel (working with Michael Wright) in the representation of a senior airline executive whose severance payments were terminated as a result of his former employer’s corporate restructuring. Alex and Michael won a critical pre-trial motion which ultimately led to the successful resolution of the claim.
Alex was also co-counsel to the Plaintiff in Walmsley v. Blyth Academy, a class action in which the Plaintiff sought minimum wage, vacation pay, and holiday pay on behalf of hundreds of teachers who the Plaintiff alleges were misclassified as independent contractors.
Success at Arbitration
Alex has seen significant success winning cases at arbitration as lead counsel. In particular, in recent years, Alex has won cases as lead counsel securing benefits for workers, getting workers reinstated following a discharge for cause, enforcing statutory entitlements, and allowing Unions to pursue remedies spanning several collective agreements and nearly a decade after the breach occurred.
Although he enjoys the opportunity to litigate, he is also proud of the many client wins he has achieved without the need for litigation.
Here to Help
Enlist objective advice and committed legal representation. Whatever your challenge—no matter how fundamental or involved—Wright Henry will help you navigate the shoals and arrive at the best possible destination. We offer wide-ranging expertise and a proven record of success.