Ryan Copeland

604.806.3869 |

Ryan is a partner at Roper Greyell where he provides strategic advice and representation to public and private sector clients in all areas of labour, employment and human rights law.

Ryan assists employers in managing employee and labour-related risk through advice and consultation on matters such as harassment, absenteeism, health and safety and the drafting and interpretation of workplace policies and employment contracts. His process is to become a trusted partner in considering and providing solutions to long term business objectives. Ryan also helps clients navigate through various litigation processes, including at the courts, labour arbitrations, labour boards, human rights tribunals, WorkSafeBC, and other administrative tribunals. Ryan represents clients as lead spokesperson at the bargaining table and as counsel at interest arbitrations.

Described as responsive, strategic, and personable, Ryan looks at workplace issues through a sustainable, long term lens

Ryan is attuned to his clients’ business needs – allowing him to expertly negotiate the terms of collective agreements, and represent their interests at the bargaining table to avoid or resolve strikes, lockouts, and other actions.

Before joining Roper Greyell, Ryan worked in a variety of industries, and was a BC forest firefighter, ski guide, tree feller and construction worker. Working in these diverse roles gave him a broad perspective of the many challenges that can arise in the workplace, and continues to provide Ryan with a foundation of practical, real world experience that guides his practice.

Away from the office, Ryan can be found pursuing his love for adventure and the outdoors, particularly on his skis or mountain bike. In fact, Ryan has found that mountain biking in other countries can provide a unique perspective on, and access to, new countries.

Education

B.Sc., University of British Columbia
LL.B., University of Victoria

Year of call

British Columbia, 2009

Publications

Two Significant BC Labour Code Changes: Card Certification is Back & Open Season is Declared in the Construction Industry for Raiding Unions

Be Careful What You Say: Discharge for Bad Faith Accusations Against Supervisor Upheld

COVID-19 Update – March 26, 2020 – Federal Bulletin

Be Wary of Ambiguity: A “Bonus” Lesson for Employers

Is This the New Standard For Family Status Discrimination?

BC Court of Appeal grants 8 months of reasonable notice to 43-year old IT employee with 2.5 years of service: Munoz v. Sierra Systems Group Inc., 2016 BCCA 140

Bullying and Harassment: The treatment of complaints and claims by WorkSafeBC and employers