Tag archives: discharge

Termination for Facebook post upheld by arbitrator – Despite absence of social media policy

By Michael Torrance on February 14, 2015 Posted in Canada, Discrimination and harassment

The recent decision of United Steelworkers of America, Local 9548 v Tenaris Algoma Tubes Inc, 2014 CanLII 26445 (ON LA) provides an example of how a unionized employee’s off-duty social media behavior can justify dismissal, despite the absence of any reference to social media in the company’s harassment policies. The grievor was a crane operator … Continue reading

Threatening Facebook Post Provides Grounds for Dismissal

By Michael Torrance on October 10, 2014 Posted in Canada, General

In the recent decision of CEP, Local 64 v Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited, 2013 CanLII 87573, a Newfoundland arbitrator found that comments posted on an employee’s Facebook page constituted sufficient grounds for dismissal. The Grievor was a Tallyman in the employer’s (Corner Brook) shipping department. She had 13 years of service with her … Continue reading

Age Discrimination Found in Termination for Poor Performance

By Michael Torrance on October 10, 2014 Posted in Canada, Discrimination and harassment

In the recent decision of Price v Topline Roofing, 2013 BCHRT 306 the BC Human Rights Tribunal awarded close to $12,000 in lost wages to an employee terminated because of his age. The employee was a journeyman who had worked for Topline Roofing on and off for over 15 years. At the time of his … Continue reading

Dismissal Upheld for Dishonesty and Cover Up of Safety Risks

By Michael Torrance on September 15, 2014 Posted in Canada

In a recent arbitration decision involving a utility company, an Ontario arbitrator reiterated the importance of trust in the employment relationship and upheld the dismissal of a seven-and-a-half-year employee with no disciplinary history for covering up a safety violation. Facts On October 9, 2012 the grievor, a supervisor, was working with his team to remove gaskets from an old generator. It … Continue reading