HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-2463.Lawder.07-01-31 Decision
Crown Employees
Grievance Settlement
Board
Suite 600
180 Dundas Sl. West
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z8
Tel. (416) 326-1388
Fax (416) 326-1396
Commission de
reglement des griefs
des employes de la
Couronne
Bureau 600
180, rue Dundas Ouest
Toronto (Ontario) M5G 1Z8
Tel. : (416) 326-1388
Telec. : (416) 326-1396
IN THE MATTER OF AN ARBITRATION
Under
Nj
~
Ontario
GSB# 2004-2463
UNION# 2004-0368-0107
THE CROWN EMPLOYEES COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ACT
BETWEEN
BEFORE
FOR THE UNION
FOR THE EMPLOYER
HEARING
DEADLINE FOR
WRITTEN
SUBMISSIONS
Before
THE GRIEVANCE SETTLEMENT BOARD
Ontario Public Service Employees Union
(Lawder)
- and -
The Crown in Right of Ontario
(Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services)
Barry Stephens
Scott Andrews
Grievance Officer
Ontario Public Service Employees Union
Karen Martin
Staff Relations Officer
Ministry of Community Safety and
Correctional Services
December 14, 2006.
January 17,2007.
Union
Employer
Vice-Chair
2
Decision
INTRODUCTION
The parties have agreed to a Med-Arb Protocol, signed February 27, 2006. It is not necessary to
reproduce the entire Protocol here. Suffice it to say that, as part of the Protocol, the parties have
agreed to a "True Mediation-Arbitration" process, wherein each provides the vice-chair with
submissions, which include the facts and authorities each relies upon. The process adopted by
the parties provides for a canvassing of the facts during the mediation phase under the Protocol.
Arbitration decisions are issued in accordance with Article 22.16 of the collective agreement,
without reasons, and are without prejudice or precedent. The parties were unable to resolve this
matter in mediation.
Accordingly, the matter has been referred to me as a True
Mediation/Arbitration decision under the Protocol.
FACTS
The grievor reported to work on September 8, 2004 with a beard. He was challenged by a
manager, OM16 Wallace, and told to shave the beard to conform to safety requirements with
respect to fitting of gas masks. At the initial encounter, the grievor was not subjected to a
gasmask fitting test with a qualified individual, in accordance with the employer's policy.
Rather, he was sent home, with pay, and told to report with his beard properly trimmed, so that it
did not prevent direct contact between the mask and his skin. The grievor then reported for a
least three more shifts before he passed the mask test. He claims $10,000 in damages, a written
apology from the employer, an acknowledgement that the policy was not properly followed, an
order that the policy be amended, and that his file be cleared of all references to the incident.
The employer responds that the policy is intended to ensure the safety of employees in the event
of an incident involving use of tear gas, or where noxious chemicals are present in the institution.
3
DECISION
The grievance is dismissed.
Dated at Toronto, this 31 st day of January, 2007.