What is a class action?
A class action is a legal proceeding commenced by a representative plaintiff on behalf of themselves and a group or class of people who fall under the same definition of a proposed class. The size of the class depends on the number of people affected by the issue. Class actions permit a large number of people to have access to the legal system in circumstances that would be too complex or costly for one person to bring an action on their own.
VSLO’s experience with class actions
We have been involved in class actions related to circumstances arising out of current or former employment relationships. Specifically, we act on behalf of pension plan members as a result of a conversion from a defined benefit to a defined contribution pension plan. We also represent retirees in relation to health benefits received following retirement.
Active Class Actions
- Nickel v. Weyerhaeuser – current status: The Court has certified the action in Nickel v. Weyerhaeuser Company Limited as a class proceeding and appointed Barbara Sirett and David Biggs as the representative plaintiffs of the class.
- Teck/Cominco Pension Plan Conversion – current status: The Court approved the settlement agreement, the plan to distribute settlement funds, class counsel’s fees, and the additional compensation for Jim Weldon and Len Bleier
- Weyerhaeuser Company Limited, Retirement Health Benefits Class Action – current status: Settlement agreement has been implemented
- TimberWest – current status: this class action has been settled and the settlement is being implemented
- British Columbia College of Teachers Severance Class Action – current status: this intended class action has not yet been certified