It defines itself as "an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal mandated to mediate and adjudicate a variety of employment and labour relations-related matters under a number of Ontario statutes".
[3] One of the most important powers of the Ontario Labour Relations Board is the ability to certify trade unions as collective bargaining agents.
[4] It also commonly deals with claims of unfair labour practices, occupational health and safety reprisals, duty of fair representation cases and, construction industry grievances, among others.
In addition to the Board, the Library provides services to the staff of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal.
[8] In 2008, by the signing of their respective Memoranda of Understanding with the Ministry of Labour, the Board assumed administrative oversight over the Pay Equity Hearings Tribunal.