Professors Valerio De Stefano and Sara Slinn act as co-editors
The Comparative Labor Law and Policy Journal has transferred its editorial operations to York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School from the University of Illinois, marking the first time a Canadian institution has served as the publication’s headquarters.
According to a news release from York University, the journal aims to take an interdisciplinary approach and combine legal analysis with policy perspectives on issues relevant to the modern workplace.
“Hosting this prestigious journal speaks to Osgoode’s long-standing strength in labour and employment law and to our commitment to advancing thought leadership across borders,” said Trevor Farrow, Osgoode dean. “It opens doors for our students and strengthens the school’s connections to global scholarly networks.”
Valerio De Stefano and Sara Slinn, Osgoode professors, serve as the journal’s co-editors.
“This is a highly respected academic journal, one that scholars around the world aspire to publish in,” De Stefano said. “By bringing it to Osgoode, we’re strengthening global ties and creating new opportunities for students, scholars and practitioners in Canada and beyond.”
The news release shared that Osgoode plans to use the publication in its teaching and research, with a new course allowing JD students to review journal articles under consideration. Meanwhile, graduate students will assume editorial responsibilities and mentor small student groups.
“This is a rare opportunity for Canadian law students,” Slinn said. “They gain hands-on experience in academic publishing, engage with cutting-edge scholarship and contribute to a truly global conversation.”
The first issue led by Osgoode sought to survey labour regulation’s increasing fragmentation within a globalized economy, while the second issue tackled the right to strike. The news release shared that future special issues will address artificial intelligence and workplace privacy, trade and labour protections, and shifting approaches to employment rights.
Those interested can access the journal online via Osgoode Digital Commons.
The university’s news release noted that Osgoode initially funded the publication’s transition, with the Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers offering additional support.
About co-editors
According to his faculty bio, De Stefano’s research interests include labour and employment law. He has served as Osgoode’s inaugural Canada research chair in innovation, law, and society. He received an Osgoode Teaching Award in 2024.
Slinn’s website indicates that she also focuses on labour and employment law. She was a staff lawyer at the British Columbia Labour Relations Board from 1999–2000. As a Vancouver-based lawyer, she worked at Askew, Fiorillo & Glavin from 2000–01 and at Victory Square Law Office from 1997–98.
