TORONTO, Oct. 26, 2016 /CNW/ - Following their four-year campaign to win collective bargaining rights, Legal Aid Ontario staff lawyers voted to join The Society of Energy Professionals.

Voting was open throughout this week for the 358 staff lawyers that make up the newest Society bargaining unit. Of those that cast ballots, 76% voted in favour of being represented by The Society.

"I am proud to welcome Legal Aid Ontario lawyers to The Society," said Society president Scott Travers. "Legal Aid lawyers showed great strength in their fight for collective bargaining rights and I am confident that same strength will continue as we begin working on their first collective agreement. I look forward to working in collaboration with the employer toward a collective agreement that is mutually beneficial to both our members and LAO."

Travers said that the Legal Aid lawyers' vote shows that professionals are looking to improve their working lives through collective bargaining.

"Collective bargaining is a powerful way for professionals to improve their working conditions and protect their ethical obligations," Travers noted. "Professionals work hard to earn their education, many must pass rigorous certification processes, and they are expected to perform at a high level every day. Professionals deserve the opportunity to improve their working lives through collective bargaining."

The Society will continue working with professionals across all sectors to bring them the opportunities that come with collective bargaining.

The Society of Energy Professionals represents 8,000 professionals in the public, private and regulatory sectors, including engineers, lawyers and accountants.

SOURCE The Society of Energy Professionals