Dedicated to the Rights of Unions and Workers


At Chivers Carpenter, we are more than just legal advisors; we are steadfast advocates for the labour movement. As a leading union-side firm, we dedicate our entire practice to labour, employment, human rights, and administrative law. From your workplace to the highest levels of court, our team provides stalwart representation for unions and individual workers, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

Our Team

Our Team

Chivers Carpenter Lawyers is a firm of union-side labour lawyers who restrict their practices to labour, employment, human rights, and administrative law. Barrie Chivers established the firm in 1987 together with Sheila Greckol, who was later appointed a Justice of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta in December 2001 and later to the Alberta Court of Appeal in 2016. The firm and its members are active in a variety of community organizations and initiatives.  All of our lawyers are members of the Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers. Members of the firm are active participants in legal education such as teaching at the University of Alberta and presenting at legal and union conferences. As a client appreciation service, the firm offers its clients free educational seminars on a twice-yearly basis.

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Practice Areas


At Chivers Carpenter, we have been dedicated to protecting the rights of workers and unions across Alberta since 1987. Our firm specializes in navigating the complex legal landscapes that govern the modern workplace and the administrative bodies that oversee them. Whether you are facing a dispute with an employer, challenging a regulatory decision, or fighting against discrimination, our team provides the sophisticated advocacy needed to correct injustices and ensure fair treatment under the law.

News & Events


Employee Reinstated – Poor Judgment and Lapse of Judgement did not Warrant Termination

August 4, 2026

The United Steelworkers, represented by James Diebert and Lee Klippenstein, successfully argued for the reinstatement of a grievor who was terminated after an incident at a bar mill in a steel manufacturing plant. The grievor was a pulpit operator. During her shift, a cobble occurred which required the mill to be stopped for clean-up and […]


Arbitrator Reinstated Grocery Store Worker who was Terminated for Breach of Policy and “Sweethearting” for Assisting Customer in Accessing Discount

April 8, 2026

The Union of Calgary Co-op Employees successfully challenged the termination of one of their members in the Union of Calgary Co-op Employees in Calgary Co-operative Association v Union of Calgary Co-op Employees, 2026 CanLII 2712 (AB GAA). In that case, the Employer had terminated the grievor, a 64-year-old woman who had been employed at Co-op […]


Alberta Court of Appeal affirms that there is no difference between “participation in” or “study of” social activism for the purposes of disclosure and academic freedom protections

April 8, 2026

The Faculty Association of the University Calgary, the Canadian Association of University Teachers, and the Canadian Association of Law Teachers, recently had a significant win while intervening in Governors of the University of Calgary v Alberta (Information and Privacy Commissioner), 2025 ABCA 350, at the Alberta Court of Appeal. Kelly Nychka and Camila Franco of […]


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At Chivers Carpenter Lawyers, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of workers and unions. Whether you require representation at an arbitration hearing, advice on employment law, or have questions about our upcoming educational seminars, our team is ready to assist.

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