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Lyons 13-02-13
IntheMatterofanArbitration Between ProvidenceCare,MentalHealthServices (Hereinafterreferredtoas"theEmployer") And OntarioPublicServiceEmployeesUnion-Local431 (Hereinafterreferredtoas"theUnion") Regarding:SickLeaveGrievance-MILyons SoleArbitrator:FelicityD.Briggs FortheEmployer:StevenMenard,Counsel SuzanneEngland, FortheUnion:PeggySmith,Counsel LianeTackaberry Thegrievor,MarleneLyons,isaRegisteredPracticalNursewhofiledagrievance allegingthatshewas"deniedbenefitsunderArticle37andanyotherarticlesthat mayapply".TheUnioncontendedthatthematterathandisstraightforward.The grievorwasabsentduetoillnessandbroughtmedicaldocumentationtosupport herabsence.Accordingly,shewasentitledtosickleaveasprovidedintheCollective Agreement.TheEmployerimproperlyfailedtoprovidethisbenefit.Shewasasked forandprovidedfurthermedicaljustificationforherabsericebuttheEmployer continuedtodenyherpaidsickleave.AccordingtotheUnion,thisBoardshould orderpaymentofthesickleave.Indirectcontrast,theEmployersuggestedthatthe instantgrievancewasfiledafterasignificanthistoryofeventsthatincluded allegationsof,andaninvestigationintosexualharassment.WhenthegrievDrwas unhappywiththeresultsoftheinvestigationshelefttheworkplaceanddidnot returnforanumberofdays.Althoughthegrievorprovidedamedicalnote,the Employerwasoftheviewthatitwasinsufficienttosubstantiateherabsenceand thereforedidnotpaySickleavefortheperiod. TheEmployerisamulti-sitefacilitythatprovidesspecializedavarietyofhealth servicessuchascomplexcontinuingcare;palliativecare;long-termcare;physical medicineandrehabilitation;specializedgeriatricservices;andmentalhealthcare, TheUnionrepresentsmostoftheemployeessaveandexceptsupervisory employeesandthoseabovetherank, TherelevantportionsoftheCollectiveAgreementareasfollows: Article37-PayWhileSick 37.1a)Full-timeemployeesareeligibleforbenefitsunderthisArticle, b)TheHospitalwillassume100%responsibilityforprovidingandfundinga short-termsickleaveplanasdescribedinthecurrentHospitalsofOntario DisabilityIncomePlanbrochure, c)TheEmployeragreesduringthetermoftheAgreementtocontribute seventy-fivepercent(75%)oftheapplicablemonthlypremiumtowards coverageofeligibleemployeesundertheHospitalsofOntarioDisability IncomeProgrammeorequivalentwithrespecttoemployeeswhohave completedthenecessaryservicerequirements,theemployeewillpayforthebalanceofthebilledpremiumthroughpayrolldeduction. d)Forthepurposeoftransferoftheshorttermportionofthedisability programe,employeesonthepayrollasoftheeffectivedateofthetransfer withthree(3)monthsormoreofserviceshallbedeemedtohavethree(3) monthsofservice.Forthepurposeoftransfertothelong-termportionofthe disabilityprogramme,employeeswillbecreditedwiththeiractualservice, 37.2TheHospitalagreestopayemployeesanamountequaltoanylossof benefitunderHOODIPforthefirsttwo(2)daysofthefourth(4th)and subsequentabsencesinanycalendaryearforemployeesclaimingsickpaybenefits. 3%3a)TheHospitalmay,ifanemployeeisabsentforfive(5)consecutiie workingdaysormore,requestthatshesubmitamedicalnoteinthe Hospital,However,whereitissuspectedthattheremaybeanabuseofsick leave,suchproofmayberequiredatanytime.TheHospitalwillpayfora medicalnoteprovidedinaccordancewiththissub-articletoamaximumof twenty-five($25.00)permedicalnote, b)WheretheHospitalrequestsanyothermedicalnote(s)beyondthoseset outin37.3(a),thecostofsuchnoteshallbebornebytheEmployer, 37.4Thereshallbenopaydeductionfromanemployee'sregularscheduled shiftwhenanemployeehascompletedanyportionoftheshiftpriortogoingonsickleavebenefitsorWSIBbenefits. 37.5theprovisionsofArticle37(PayWhileSick)shallnotapplytoan employeeiftheycoincidewithanyotherpaidtimeoffprovidedfor elsewhereinthisAgreement. USEOFACCUMULATEDCREDITS 38.1Anemployeewhoisabsentfromherdutiesduetosicknessorinjurymay,heroption,supplementtheirSTSPbenefitswiththeuseofher accumulatedcredits(vacation,lieutime)uptoanamountequaltoher regularpay. 2 ! i The1992HOODIPbrochureregardingsickleavestates,inpart: PLANHIGHLIGHTS Ifyoubecometotallydisabledandareunabletowork,youmayreceiveaSick Paybenefitfromyouremployerofupto100percentofyourearningsforup "tothefirst15weeksofyourdisability.Yourbenefitamountwilldependon yourregularearningsandyourlengthofservice. IFYOUBECOMEDISABLED Ifyoubecometotallydisabledasaresultofillnessorinjury,excluding compensableaccidentssuchasthosecoveredbyWorkplaceSafetyInsurance Board(WSIB),youwillreceivesickbenefitsthatarepaidbyyouremployer. Proofofdisability(suchasaDoctor'scertificate),thatissatisfactorytoyour employer,isrequiredifyouareabsentmorethanthree(3)daysormoreand issubjecttoaperiodicreviewthereafter.Suchproofmayberequiredatany timeinorderforyoutoqualifyforbenefits. DEFINITIONS TotalDisabilityandTotallyDisabled Unable,duetoinjuryorillness,toperfornitheregulardutiespertainingto theoccupationinwhichyouparticipatedimmediatelybeforebecoming disabled, ThegrievortestifiedthatshehasbeenaRegisteredPracticalNursewiththe Employerforapproximatelyeightyears.Shewashiredtoworkontheassessment, diagnosisandstabilizationunittbatisreferredtoasWard13.Thepatientsinthis areawereadultsandusuallyreceivedfromacutecarefacilities.Atthetimeofthe hearingsheworkedonWard15. Ms.LyonsstatedthatinapproximatelyFebruaryof2008sherequestedan accommodationsothatshedidnotworkthenightshift.Thiswasnecessaryasthe resultofasubnormalhemoglobinandironlevelcausedbysevereuterinebleeding. Atthistimeitwasanticipatedthattheaccommodationwouldbetemporaryin 3 naturebecausetheproblemwouldberesolvedwhensheunderwenta hysterectomy. ThegrievorgaveevidencethatinNovemberof2008,shesomeofherco-workers toldherthatanotheremployee(hereinafterreferredtoas"Ms,A"]hadbeensaying thattheshewashavinganaffairwithanotherco-worker,Whensheheardthis,she wasupsetandspokewithhermanager,AmeetingwasheldandaUnion representativewaspresentandthegrievorvoicedhercomplaint.Shewastoldthat Ms.A.wouldbeSpokentoandasaresultofthisassurance,thegrievorwascontent totakethecomplaintnofurther,However,approximatelytwoweekslaterthe grievorlearnedthattherumourwasstillbeingspread,Afteragainspeakingwith hermanageritwasdecidedthatthegrievorshouldbemovedtoanotherareawhile aninvestigationwasundertaken.ShethenbegantoworkwiththeNurseEducator foratemporaryperiodoftimewhileaninvestigationwasundertakenandthat arrangementcontinuedtomeetheraccommodationneeds, Aftertheinvestigationwasconductedthegrievorwasaskedtoattendatameeting onJanuary30,2009todiscussthefindings.Inattendancewiththegrievoratthis meetingwereKarenCarmichael,DirectorofRehabilitationProgram,Roseanne Bateman,HumanResources,Liane,Tackaberry,UnionRepresentation,andMike Heerwhoinvestigatedthecomplaint.Accordingtothegrievorshewasalready "stressed"whenshewentintothemeetingbecausetheinvestigationhadtakenso longandbecauseduringitscourse"noteswerewrongandhadtobecontinuously revised."SheandMs.Tackaberryweregiventheinvestigationreportandthenleft alonetoreadthedocument.Whenshereadthattheresultsoftheinvestigationwere thatthe'allegationswereunfoundedshebecame"hysterica!".Shediscoveredthat thepeoplewhotoldherofthel:umoursinthefirstplacelaterdeniedhavingmade thesecommentscausingthegrievorto"looklikealiar."Shefelt"re-victimized."She immediatelyleftthemeetingandreturnedtoherofficewhereuponshecalleda friendandaskedthatshebepickedupandtakenawayfromtheHospital.Ashort timelaterMs.Tackaberrycontactedheronhercellphoneandaskedhertoreturnto 4 theHospitaltoattendOccupationalHealthtospeakwiththenurse.Shevaguely recalledhavingmetwiththeOccupationalHealthNurseandtellingherthatshewas notfeelingwellandwantedtogohome.Shethoughtshesaidthatshedidnotwant tospeakwithanyoneincludinghermanager.SheagainlefttheHospitalandwentto thehomeofherfriend.Atsomepointinthedayshewenttoherownhomeand sometimethatafternoonshereceivedaletterfromMs.Carmichaelthatstated,in part: Iamwritingtofollowupontheoutcomeoftheinvestigationundertakenby RoseanneBatemanandMikeHeel',intermsofmyresponsetothereportof whichyoureceivedacopy. Firstly,IwanttoknowthatyourcurrentdistressissomethingIacknowledge andwishtoaddress.Iwouldalsohaveyouunderstandthatyourworkhere isappreciatedandyouarevaluedasanRPN. Secondly,weneedtomapapathforwardforyou.Istronglyencourageyouto seekprofessionalsupportandadvicethrougheithertheEmployee AssistanceProgram(EAP),orthroughcommunityresources.IfIcanbeof anyassistanceinthisrespect,pleasefeelfreetoletmeknowandwecan togetherseeksomeconfidentialresourcestoaidyouinyourimmediate future. Priortothemeetingplannedforthismorning,Ihavespentconsiderabletime canvassingthesiteforavacantRPNposition.Inthisregard,Iampleasedto adviseyouthatyouwillbereassignedtotheRehabilitationContinuingCare Unit(ward15)immediately. PleasereporttoWard15onTuesdayFebruary3rdat0700hors.Yourshift thatdaywillbeanorientationtotheunitandyourschedulewillbeposted onthewardtimesheetsforthattwo-weekpayperiod.Mr.MacDonaldwillbe placingyournameintheRPNmasterrotationfortheunitandthis informationwillbeavailabletoyouwhenyoureporttoworkonTuesday. IwishyouwellMarleneandtrustthaiyouwillmoveforwardandmake excellentfutureprogress. Thegrievorrecalledbeingupsetbythisletterandshewas"notthinkingclearly." Shehadnotbeensleepingoreatingwellforanumberofdays.Shehadalsobeguna newcourseoftreatmentmeanttostopheruterinebleeding.Unfortunately,itwas noteffectiveandindeedwas"makingthingsworse."Thegrievor'srecaltoftherest ofthatdayislimited.Shetestifiedthatshebegantodrinkandcontinuedtodoso becauseitmadeherfeelbetter,Atsomepointinthedayshemadeanappointment toseeherphysicianonMonday,Shecontinuedtodrinkheavilyallweekend. Thegrievorattendedatherphysician'sofficeonMondayandtoldherthatshecould notcope.Shetoldherphysicianthatshewasexhaustedandneededsometimeoff workbecausesheworkswithneedyandvulnerablepeopleandsheknewthatshe didnothavethejudgmentnecessarytomakeaproperassessment.Shetestifiedthat sheknewshewastoreturntoWard15,arehabilitationunitforschizophrenicsand shewouldbeexpectedtoworktwelvehourshiftsincludingnightshifts.Whenasked sherefusedanti-depressantmedication.Shelefttheofficewithanoteforthe Hospitalregardingsickleaveandacontinuationofheraccommodationneedsthat sheimmediatelydeliveredtoOccupationalHealth.ThenotefromDr.Joanna McDonald,datedFebruary2,2009,stated: MarleneisunabletoworkformedicalreasonsuntilandincludingFebruary 6,2009.IthinkthatitisimportantthatMarlenebeabletogetbetterrestand advisethatsheworkdayshiftsratherthannightsatleastuntilshehasthe surgerywhichwilllikelybeinthespring. Ms,Lyonswasabsentfromworkfortwotwelvehourdaysandtwotwelvehour nights,atotalof45hours. OnFebruary3,2009,thegrievorreceivedanothernotefromtheHospital.Itstated: Basedonthecircumstancessurroundingyoursickleaveabsencefromwork, theEmployerisnotpreparedtoacceptthemedicaldocumentationyouhave currentlyprovided.Thereforeyouarenotentitledtosickleavepayforthis sickleaveincidentFebruary2to6,2009inclusivependingyouprovidingme withmedicaldocumentationincludingthenatureofyourillnessorinjury. Forclaritypurposesforyourphysician,natureofillnessorinjury meansageneralstatementofaperson'sillnessorinjuryinplain languagewithoutanytechnicalmedicaldetails,diagnosisorsymptoms. Additionally,theEmployeralsorequiresclarificationofyourlimitationsor restrictionsthatprecludeyoufromworkingthenightshift.Thus,pleasehave yourdoctorcompletetheenclosedFunctionalAbilitiesForm,andalsodetail 6 yourlimitations/restrictions.PleaseprovidethistotheEmployerby February11,2009. Intheeventthatyoucanprovidemedicaldocumentationthatissatisfactory totheEmployer,wewillre-examineyourentitlementtosickleavepayfor thisperiod.(emphasisnotmine) Asrequested,thegrievorprovidedanothernotefromDr.MacDonald.Itwasdated February11,2009andstated, Asperyourrequest,IamwritingtoclarifythenatureofMs.Lyons'ailments. Sheisphysicallyandemotionallyexhaustedbutanxioustocontinueworking. Sheisundertreatmentforerraticandheavyuterinebleedingthathas respondedpoorlytoourinterventionsasfarassheisawaitingpossible hysterectomythisspring.Secondly,shehasfacedwhatshehasfeltlike harassmentiftheworkplaceand-thishasbeenemotionallywearing.Ms. Lyonshasbeendeterminedtocontinueful!-timeworkbuthasaskedmy assistanceinrequestingabriefbreak(Feb2-6,2009)tocatchherbreath, sotospeak.Ifeelthatshewouldcopepoorlyifsheweretosleepdeprived, furtherdepletingherreserves,hencetherequestthatshenotbeaskedto worknightshifts. Asaresultofthisfurtherdocumentation,thegrievorreceivedanothernotedated February12,2009,whichstated,inpart: OnFebruary2,2009youprovidedmedicaldocumentationthatstatedyou wouldbeoffonsickleavefromFebruary2-62009.OnFebruary3,2009I requestedfurthermedicaldocumentationincludingthenatureofyourillness orinjurytosubstituteyoursickleave,sincethemedicaldocumentationwas notsatisfactory. Ihavereviewedtheadditionalmedica!documentationdatedFebruary11, 2009.Themedicaldocumentationprovidedisinsufficientevidenceto supportthatyouhadamedicalillnessorinjurycausingyoutobetotally disabledfromworkduringyoursickleaveabsenceFebruary2to6,2009. Therefore,youarenotentitledtosickleavepayforyoursickleaveincident February2to6,2009inclusiveandassuchwillbecodedasLeaveWithout Pay. AsyourhadjustrecentlybeenassignedtoWard15,andrecognizingthat wardcoveragewasnotnegativelyaffected,Iwouldliketoofferyouthe opportunityforthisspecificepisode:tousevacationtimeorbankedtimeto coverthisperiod.Pleasecontactme. AccordingtothegrievorshedidnotknowwhatfurtherinformationtheHospital neededandsoshespokewithhernewmanager,MikeMacDonald.Hetoldherto provideeverythingshecould.ShereceivedanotefromMr.MacDonaldonFebruary 20,2009,whichstated: Iamwritinginresponsetothedoctor'sletterandfunctionalabilitiosform thatIreceiveddatedFebruary11,2009andyourrequestforapermanent accommodationtostraightdayshifts. Basedontheinformationprovided,byyourhealthcarepractitionerthe natureofyourillnessdoesnotsupportorindicatearequiredneedfora permanenrcaccommodationefstraightdays. Realizingandunderstandingthatdayshiftsareyourpreference,where possible,Iwillattempttoscheduleyouforasmanydayshiftsaspossible. Ms.LyonstestifiedthatsincereceivingthisnotefromMr.MacDonaldshehasnot beenscheduledtoworknights. AswasanticipatedinDr.McDonald'snote,thegrievordidundergoahysterectomy inearlyAprilof2009. Incross-examinationMs,Lyonswasaskedabouttheinvestigationandresulting report,SheconcededthatwhenshereaditshewasveryangrywiththeEmployer forboththeresultsandthelengthoftimeittook,Shewasalsoangrywithcertain individuals,someofwhomwereunionrepresentatives,forlyingduringthecourse oftheinvestigation,Shewasveryupsetbecausethereportmadeher"looklikea liar"andthestatementsgiventotheinvestigatorbyothersweredifferentthan thosereportedtoherinthefirstinstance,Shefeltshehadbeenmadetolookafool, Thegrievoralsoconcededthatsheatonepointshehadfiledagrievanceregarding theharassmentinvestigationandpartofherrequestedremedywastohaveMs,A, fired, Ms,LyonswasaskedaboutherconversationwiththeOccupationalHealthNurse uponherreturntotheHospitalonJanuary30th,2009,Sherecalledverylittleand didnotdisputethatalthoughShesaidshehadtogohome,thatshewasnotfeeling well,sherefusedtooutlinehersymptoms.Shealsoagreedthatsheprobablytold theOccupationalHealthNursethatshewouldnotreporttoMs.McCallum,her managerthatshewasleavingbecauseshewasupsetwithheraswellbecauseshe wasafriendwiththeverypeoplewhohadharassedher, Thegrievorwasaskedabouthowmuchalcoholshedrankwhenshegothomeon January30th,2009,Shesaidshedrankalotbothwhenshewashomealoneand whenshewentoutwithfriendseachnightthatweekend.Inhercross-examination shesaidthatshecouldnotrecallifshewasintoxicatedbutshecontinuedtodrink eachdayuntilFebruary6,2009.Shewasdrinkingbeer,ryeandrumandwas drinkingbetweensixandtwelveeachday.Sheagainstatedthatshehadlittlerecall ofthistimeperiod. Ms.Lyonswasaskedaboutmedicaltreatmentshewasreceivingforheruterine bleedingduringthistime.Shesaidthatshehadbeengivenadrugthatwas supposedtostopherbleedingbutinsteaditwasmadeworse.Shereportedsuchtoa pharmacistandtoaresidentatthehospitalandarrangementsweremadefora furtherprocedure.Shedidnotknowifalcoholconsumptionwasdiscouragedwith useofthesemedicationsbutsheconcededthatmanydrugssuggestabstentionfrom alcohol. ThegrievorwasaskedabouthernewassignmentonWard15,Shesaidthatshe knewfromtheJanuary30,2009,letterthatshewastobeonorientationforthefirst fewdays.However,shewasworriedthatifshewasneededduetoastaffshortage shemighthaveapatientassignment.Additionallyshethoughtshewassodistracted thatshewouldnotlearnanything. Thegrievorwasalsoquestionedincross-examinationaboutthevisittoDr. McDonald'sofficeonFebruary2,2009,Again,thegrievorhadlittlerecallofdetails butshedeniedsayingthatshewasangryaboutbeingmovedtoWard15.Indeed,it wasshewhorequestedthemovetoanotherarea.Shedidtellherphysicianthatshe 9 wastiredastheresultofherexcessiveuterinebleedingandthatshewasangry aboutrecenteventsattheHospital. Thegrievorwasaskedif,duringaconversationwiththeOccupationalHealthNurse onFebruary3,2009,sherefusedtoprovideanymoreinformationabouther absenceandherrequestedaccommodation.Ms.Lyonsnotedthatshedidprovide theEmployerwithherdiagnosisbutthatinformationwasstilldeemedinsufficient. Shealsodeniedthreateningtotakeevenmoretimeoffifheraccommodationwas notgranted. Dr.JoannaMcDonaldhasbeenthegrievor'sphysiciansince1993.Shetestifiedthat afewyearspriortoFebruaryof2009,Ms.Lyonswasdiagnosedwithdysfunctional uterinebleeding.Herbleedingwasexcessivebothintermsoftimingandvolume. Thegrievor'shemoglobin,acomponentofthebloodthatcarriesoxygentothe body'stissues,hadbecomequitelow.Tileaffectsoflowhemoglobinincludelight headednessandgeneralfatigue.Ms.Lyonsbadanumberofbloodteststakenduring thistime.Normalhemoglobinis120.InFebruaryof2008herreadingwas103,in JanuaryOf2009itwasnormalbutinMarchof2009ithaddroppedto98.With bleedingsuchasuterinebleedinghemoglobindoesnotdropinstantly.Ratherthe responsetakessometime.AccordingtoDr.McDonald,Ms.Lyonswasprescribed ironsupplementsthreetimesadayandothermedicaltreatmentswhichwere undertakeninthehopethatherbloodflowcouldbestaunchedandthatshecould avoidtheneedforahysterectomy.Thebleedingwassuchthatthegrievorcouldnot maintainaconsistenthemoglobinlevelandsubsequentlyhadanirondeficiency. Dr.McDonaldrecalledthegrievor'svisitofFebruary2,200%Sheinitiallycouldnot recallthelengthofthisappointmentbutitwaslaterrevealedtobethirtyminutesn duration.ShetestifiedthatduringtheappointmentitwasapparentthatMs.Lyons was"clearlyupset"andfeelingoverwhelmed.She"neededtovent".Sherevealed thatshewasspendingmoneyinordertomakeherselffeelbetterandthatshewas drinking"inawaythatshewasnotusedto."Shereportedfeelingangry,anxiousand 10 notcopingwell.Dr.McDonaldthoughtshewas"lookingforasickleavenota disabilityleave".Itwasherownviewthatthiswaswisegiventhetypeofworkthat Ms.Lyonsusuallyundertakeswithmentallyunwellpeople.Shethoughtthather emotionalstateaffectedherphysicalstateintermsoffatigue,poorconcentration andemotionallability.Shewroteanoteindicatingthatthegrievorneededrest becauseshewasconcernedthatherpatientwasnotcoping.SheknewthatMs. Lyonswassleepingpoorly,wasweak,physicallydepletedandemotionally exhausted. Incross-examinationDr.McDonaldwasaskedifsheprovidesnotesforherpatients withoutactuallyseeingthem.Shesaidthatoccasionallythismightbedone,for instance,ifapatienthadacontagiousillnessthatrequiredquarantinebutnot medicalintervention.Shedidconcedethatshereliedheavilyonthetruthfulnessof herpatients.Shealsotestifiedthatshedidnotknowthespecificsoftheissuesat workthatwereaffectingherpatientbutsheknewthatMs.Lyonswasfeeling harassed.Sheagreedthat"abriefbreaktocatchone'sbreath"wasnotadiagnosis. However,shesuggestedthatitwasaprescription.Thiswasgivenbecausesheknew thenatureofthegrievor'sworkalthoughshedidnotknowthatthegrievorwasto bewithoutapatientassignmentduringtheweekatissue. Dr.McDonaldtestifiedthatshedidnotdoaphysicalexaminationofthegrievoron February2,2009,ShesaidthatMs.Lyonswasnotaskingforadisabilityleave. Rathebshewasaskingforasickleave.Thedifferencebetweenthetwo,inherview, wastheamountoftime.Ms.Lyonswasnotaskingfortimeoffbecauseshecouldnot manage!nthelongrun.Thegrievorneededafewdaysoffinordertocopeandthat wasreasonableinherview.Dr.McDonatddidnotbelievethatMs.Lyonswasone whowaslikelytoabusesickleaveandsoshehadnoreasontodoubtherveracity. Whenaskedabouthowmuchsheunderstoodthegrievor'ssymptomstobeasthe resultofanincidentintheworkplaceinearlyFebruary,Dr.McDonaldsaidthatshe 11 was"somewhataware"butgenerallyshewasinterestedinhowherpatientwas medically,notlegally. Dr.McDonaldstatedthatexcessivealcoholconsumptionwouldnotaffect hemoglobinoverashortperiodoftime.Itwouldhavenoaffectonthefrequencyor levelofuterinebleeding.Itcouldhoweveraffectfatiguelevelsandemotional lability.Further,theremightwellbeacumulativeaffectifconsumingsixdrinksin eachdaywassustainedoveraperiodofthreedays.Suchdrinkingwoulddelayher recoveryfromfatigue.Finally,sheagreedthatthemedicationthatthegrievorwas takingforsleepwouldaddtoherfatigueifshehadtakenit.Shenotedthather prescribedmedicationforsleepwasonan"asneeded"basis,thatistosay,nottaken everynightifnotnecessary. Inre-examDr.McDonaldsaidthatshedidnotthinkthatitwassafeorhumaneto havethegrievorworktheweekofFebruary3,2009.Notsafeinthesenseofher havingtodealwithpeoplewithmentalhealthproblemsandnothumaneintermsof herbeingabletomanageherownselfcareandworkplaceissues. Dr.McDonaldprovidedrelevantportionsofthegrievor'smedicalfile.Includedin thatinformationwasthefollowingnote,inpart: MarleneLyonswasseeninfollow-upinchiefresidentgynecologyclinicon January26,2009.HerclinicvisitwasforMirena1UMinsertionforcontrolof menorrhagia.Wemakenotethatherswabsdoneonherpreviousvisitwere negative.Inclinic,aMirenaIUMwasinsertedundersteriletechnique.The uterussoundedto9era.Marlenetoleratedtheprocedurequitewell...... Marlenereportsthathertranexamicaciddidnotdecreaseheruterineflowat all.Infact,shewasswitchedtoProveraandthishadfailedtocontrolher menstrualflowrecently.OnJanuary23,2009.Marleneunderwentsaline infusedsonohistogram.Thisshowedaverysmallendometrialpolyp, probablyofnoclinicalsignificant,aswellaschangesinthemyometrium compatiblewithadenomyosis.Therewasasmallnodulenotedintheuterine fundus,whichislikelyafibroid.Marlene'slikelydiagnosisofadenomyosis mayexplainwhyshecontinuestohaveheavyperiodsdespitemedical management.WeareconfidentthatherMirena1UDwillwork,howeverhave explainedthatshemayhaveintermittentbleedingforupto3-4months........ 12 TheEmployercalledMs.SuzanneEnglandtotestify.ShehasbeenanAttendance ManagementConsultantintheHumanResourcesDepartmentsinceJulyof2008. HerpositionwascreatedattheHospitalbecauseofincreasingcostsassociatedwith paidsickleavefortheemployees.TheEmployerexperienceddirectandindirect sickleavecostsinthefiscalyearof2007to2008inexcessoffourmilliondollars. Ms.EnglandstatedthattheOntarioHospitalAssociationreportstheaverage numberofsickdaysperemployeeatanOntariohospitalis10.3days.However,the averageattheMentalHealthsiteofPCCwas19.21days.Thesenumbersagainstthe backdropoftherisingdeficitcausedtheEmployertoassignanadditionalresource toassistmanagersandoccupationalhealthtodealwithsickleavematters. Ms.Englandbecameawareofthegrievor'ssituationonFebruary3,2009when contactedbyMs.Bateman.Shewasinformedaboutandreviewedtheavailablefacts includingtheharassmentcomplaint;investigationfindings;notesoftheJanuary30, 2009meeting;theJanuary30,2009lettertothegrievor;andthemedical documentationprovidedtodate.ShespokewithMs.Batemanandthegrievor'snew manager,Mr.MacDonald.ThesediscussionsledtotheEmployer'sletterofFebruary 3,2009requestingmoremedicalinformation. Ms.Englandtestifiedthatthisfurtherinformationwasneededbecausethetimingof thegrievor'ssickleaveabsencewas"problematic"inrelationtotimJanuary.30, 2009meetingwhereinthegrievorwasgiventheresultsoftheinvestigation.She badlearnedthatthegrievorbecameangry,lefttheworkplacewithoutreportingto hermanagerandthenprovidedtheFebruary2,2009medicalnote.Shethoughtthe "circumstancesandthetimingweresuspiciousandthatthiswasnotanappropriate useofs!ckleave."Shewantedtoclarifywhetherthegrievorwastotallydisabled. ShortlyafterMr.MacDonaldreceivedtheFebruary11,2009notefromDr. McDonald,Ms.Englandorganizedameeting.BothMr.MacDonaldandMs.Denise Millard,theOccupationalHealthNurse,wereaskedtoattend.Afterreviewingthe documentationMs.Englanddecidedthatthegrievorwasnotabsentduetoillness. 13 Whentheinformationwas"lookedatasawhole",itindicatedthatshewas physicallyandemotionallyexhausted,Ms.Englandsuggestedthatherdecisionwas consistentwiththegrievor'soverallattendancebecauseduringthetimeperiod leadinguptothisincident,Ms.Lyonshad"quitegoodattendance".Itwasultimately determinedthatifthegrievor"wantedabreak",sheshouldbeofferedthe opportunitytotakevacationtime.Thisdecisionwascommunicatedtothegrievor. Incross-examinationMs.Englandwasaskedabouthermedicalqualificationsthat enabledhertodeterminethatbeing"physicallyandemotionallyexhausted"would nottotallydisableanursefromperformingthedutiesofheroccupation,She respondedthatshehad"extensiveeducationinphysicalhealthandwellness"that assistedherinherdecisionthatthegrievorcouldhaveparticipatedinthe orientationthatshewasscheduledtoattendonFebruary3rdand4th,2009,Further, therewouldhavebeenotherRPNdutiesthatshecouldhaveundertakensuchas chartaudits.ActivitiessuchasthisareoftenassignedtoRegisteredNursesaswell asRegisteredPracticalNurseswhoneedtemporaryaccommodationdueto temporarycognitivelimitations. Ms.Englanddidnotdisputethatthegrievorwassufferingfromerraticandheavy uterinebleedingandwasundergoingtreatments.Furthershedidnotdisputethat theremightbealinkbetweenthatconditionandphysicalandmentalexhaustion. Butinherassessmentofwhethertodisallowthesickleaveshenotedthatthe grievorhadbeensufferingfromthisconditionforanumberofmonthsandhad demonstratedanabilitytoattendatworkonaregularbasis.Indeed,therewasvery littleabsenceduringthistime.Giventhattherewasnoindicationofsome exacerbationofthecondition,Ms.Englandthoughttheexhaustionwasastheresult oftheharassmentcomplaintandresultinginvestigation.Shewouldhaveconsidered someexplanationastohowMs.Lyons'uterinebleedingconditionwasrelevantto theperiodatissue.ShethoughtthatthenoteofFebruary1i,2009specificallysaid thatabriefbreakwasneededastheresultoftheharassmentissues,nother gynecologicalcondition.Shespecificallydeniedthatshethoughtthegrievorwas 14 "faking".Simplyput,thegrievorwasdeniedsickleavebecausedidnotmeetthe conditionsoftotaldisability.Itwasconcededthatthegrievor'sangerwiththe resultsoftheinvestigationwastakenintoaccount.-Ultimately,itwasdetermined thattherewasinsufficientmedicalrationalefortheabsence.Ms.Englandstatedthat exhaustionwasasymptomandnotamedicalillness. Ms.MillardalsotestifiedonbehalfoftheEmployer.SheisaRegisteredNursewho hasworkedintheareaofOccupationalHealthforanumberofyearsatvarious hospitals.Inherworkshecontactsemployeeswhoareabsentduetoillnessto followupensuringthatthereismedicaldocumentationsupportingtheabsence.She alsoassistsinanearlyandsafereturntowork. ItisusualforMs.Millardtoaskforfurthermedicaldocumentationininstances wherethedocumentsprovideddonotsufficientlydescribeeitherthecognitiveor physicalreasonsforanabsence.Ininstanceswhereshesuspectsabuseofsickleave shecontactsMs.Englandandtogethertheydeterminehowbesttoproceed.She doesnotmakethedecisionastowhethersickleavewillbepaid. Ms.Millardtakesnotesofherinteractionswithemployeesduringthecourseofher work.Inherevidencesherecalledthatthegrievorattendedatherofficeat11:13 a.m.onJanuary30,2009andtoldherthatshehadbeentoldbyherUnionreportto report.Shesaidthatwantedtogohome,asshewasnotfeelingwell.Accordingto Ms.Millardthegrievorappearedimpatientandangryandstayedonlyabouttwo minutes.AfterthisdiscussionMs.Millardnotifiedthegrievor'smanagerofher absencebecausewhensheaskedthegrievortodososhesaid,"shedidn'tcare". OnFebruary2,2009,Ms.Millardlearnedthatthegrievorhadnotreportedforwork. Shephonedhertoensureshewasallrightatapproximately11:12a.m.andlefta voicemailwhenthecallwasnotanswered.Laterthatdaythegrievorattendedat herofficeanddeliveredanotefromherphysicianthatshehadobtainedearlierthat day.WhenMs.Millardreviewedthenoteshetoldthegrievorthatshewould 15 probablyhavetoprovidefurthermedicaldocumentationregardingher accommodationrequest.Ms.Lyonsrespondedthattherewaspreviousmedical providedinthisregardandthatshehad,infact,notbeenworkingnightsforsome time. OnFebruary3,2009,thegrievortelephonedMs.Millardandtoldherthatshehad justspokentotheReturntoWorkCo-coordinator.Ms.Lyonssaidthatshedidnot wanttoprovideanymoreinformationregardingherlimitationsandher accommodationrequest,SheexplainedtoMs.Millardaboutherreduced hemoglobinandironlevelsandherneedforahysterectomy.Afterthisdiscussion Ms.MillardspokewiththeReturntoWorkCo-Coordinatorandtheydecidedit wouldbewisetodraftaletterforthegrievor'sphysiciantoassistwithher accommodationrequest.WhenMs.Millardtelephonedthegrievortotellherofthis Ms.Lyonsindicatedherfrustrationandangerwiththewholeordealandsaidthat herdoctorhadnotwantedhertoreturntowork,AccordingtoMs.Millard,the grievorsaidthatifallofthiswastoomuchtroubleshemight"justgooffwork," Ms.Millard'snextdiscussionwiththegrievorwasonFebruary5,2009.Therehad beenconversationsheldtodeterminewhatfurtherinformationwasrequiredfrom thephysician.Ultimately,thegrievorwastoldwhatwasrequiredandafunctional abilitiesformwasfaxedtoDr.McDonald. Ms.MillardwasaskedifshethoughttheFebruary2,2009medicalnotefromDr. McDonaldwassufficienttosupportaclaimforsickleave.Shesaidthatitdidnot becausethenotedidnotsayshewastotallydisabledandtheEmployerisableto offermodifiedduties.Thenotegavenoindicationofany.physicalormental disability.ShethoughtthattheFebruary11,2009noteprovidednofurther informationthatwouldsupportasickleave.Whileitnotedphysicalexhaustionit didnotstateamedicalreasonforanabsence. 16 Incross-examinationMs.MillardsaidthatshenoticedonJanuary30,2009thatthe grievorappearedtohavebeencryingandthatshewaspale.Itwaspointedoutto Ms.MillardthatherFebruary2,2009notestakenduringherconversationwiththe grievorindicatedonlythattherewasaneedforfurtherinformationregardingthe accommodationrequest.Nothingwassaidaboutfurtherinformationneededto supporthersickleave.Ms.Millardagreedthatitwasfairtoconcludefromhernotes oftheFebruary2naand3ra2009telephonediscussionsthattterewasnothingsaid toMs.Lyonsaboutaneedforfurthermedicalinformationtosubstantiatehersick leaverequest.Ms.Millarddidnotreviewthephysician'snoteonFebruary2,2009to determineifthegrievorcouldbeaccommodatedatwork.Atthattimesuchatask wouldhavebeenundertakenbytheReturntoWorkCo-Coordinator.Forthesame reasons,shedidnotinquirefromthegrievorifshecouldreturntoworkl Ms.Millardsaidthatshehadnoreasontodoubtthatthegrievorwasunder treatmentforerraticandheavyuterinebleeding;thatshehadrespondedpoorlyto themedicalintervention;orthatshefeltharassed.Further,sheagreedthatduring thistimeshedidnotprovidethegrievorwithanymodifieddutiesorsuggesttoher thatanywereavailable. Ms.Millardwasaskedincross-examinationaboutDr.McDonald'snoteofFebruary 11,2009.Sheagreedthat"treatmentforbleeding"wasadescriptionofthe"nature oftheillness"butshesaidthatshedidnotunderstandfromthatnotethatthiswas thereasonforthegrievor'sabsencefortheperiodFebruary2,to6,200%Shealso agreedthataccordingtohernotestherewasnotdiscussionofwhythatmedical documentwasinsufficientinherconversationwiththegrievoronFebruary12, 2009.Shesaidthatshewouldnothavetoldthegrievorthatthenotewassufficient becauseSheisnotthepersonwhomakesthatdeterminationbutconcededthatit waspossibleMs.Lyonsmighthaveconcludedthatgiventhatshewasnottold otherwise. 17 UNIONSUBMISSIONS Ms.Smith,fortheUnion,suggestedthattheissueforthisBoardtodecideis straightforward.ThisBoardmustaddresswhetherthegrievorshouldhavebeen paidshorttermdisabilityforherabsencefromFebruary2ndto6th,2009,as supportedbythemedicaldocumentation.Itwasfurthersubmittedthatitis importanttonotewhatthiscaseisnotabout.TheCollectiveAgreementspecifically allowstheEmployertorequestproofofillnesswhenthereissuspicionofabuse. TheEmployerinthiscasebroughtinevidenceastowhetheritssuspicionswere reasonableinthecircumstances.However,thatisanunnecessaryandimproper considerationforthisBoard. TheUnionremindedtheBoardthattheEmployerindicatedattheoutsetofthiscase thattherearethreereasonswhythegrievanceshouldbedismissed.Thefirstis becausethemedicalnoteisnotcrediblebecausetherewasinsufficientassessment doneatthetime.Thesecondreasonisbecausethegrievormisrepresentedwhyshe wantedthetimeoffandthefinalreasonwasbecauseherconditiondidnotsatisfy thedefinitionoftotaldisability. Takingeachofthosecontentionsinturn,theUnionsubmittedthattheevidencewas clearthattherewasnothingwantingregardingthequalityofDr.McDonald's assessment.Itwasthoroughandconcurrentwiththetimeatissue.Indeed,the grievorarrangedherappointmentwithDr.MacDonaldpriortohernotifyingthe Employerofanillness.Thisisnotaninstancewhereapersongoestotheir physiciandaysorweeksafterthesalienttimeandaskedforamedicalnote.Ms. Lyonsspentthirtyminuteswithherphysicianandattheendofthattimeitwas decidedthatbasedonherchronicconditionofheavyuterinebleedingandthelack ofresponsetotreatmentstimeoffwasmedicallyneeded.Ms.Lyonstoldher physicianabouthercrisisandDr.McDonaldtookthisintoaccountinarrivingather medicalviewthatthegrievorneededtimeofffromwork.Dr,McDonaldfeltitwould notbe"safeorhumane"forthegrievortogotowork,Itmustbereadilyapparentto 18 thisBoardthatafterafullassessmentthatwasbasedinpartbyaconsiderable history,themedicalopinionwasitwasnecessaryforthegrievortobeabsentfrom work. TheUnionalsoassertedthattheEmployer'sallegationthatthegrievor misrepresentedherneedfortimeoffwas,simplyput,notsubstantiatedbythe •evidence.Thegrievorwascredibleandconsistentaboutwhysheneededtimeoff andshenevermadeanyattempttodeceive.Sheacknowledgedthatshewenttoher physiciantoaskforanotetosubstantiateanabsence. Ms.Smithnotedthatthegrievorneverattemptedtosuggestthatthebackdropof theharassmentallegationsandresultinginvestigationconclusionsplayednopartin heroverallcondition,Shehadfiledacomplaintandhadparticipatedinalonga frustratingprocesswitharesultshethoughtwrong.Shewasextremelyupset,in part,becauseshethoughtthatpeoplerecantedtheveryobservationstheyreported toher.Shefeltlikeshelookedlikealiarandafool.Itisnotsurprisingthatshe wouldbehumiliatedandconcernedaboutherreputation.Shelefttheworkplace andengagedinaweekendofbingedrinkingandnotsleeping.Indeed,Ms,Lyon's evidencewasexceedinglyfrankinthisregardevenwhenitmighthavecausedher embarrassment.Butthegrievordidnotrequiresickleavebecauseofherfrustration oranger.Thatisnotwhattheevidencerevealed.TheevidenceofDr.McDonald substantiatedtheclaimthatthegrievorwasexhaustedastheresultofvarious factorsnottheleastofwhichwashersignificanthistoryofexcessiveuterine bleedingandherfailuretorespondtomedicaltreatment.Dr;McDonaldsaidneither safenorhumaneforMs.LyonstohaveworkedasanRPNatthementalhealth facility. Thiscaseisnotaboutwhetherthegrievorcouldhavebeenaccommodatedforthose fewdays.Itisaboutwhetherthegrievorwasdisabledfromperformingthedutiesof herownoccupationandtheevidenceofDr,McDonaldsubstantiftedthatshewas, accordingtotheUnion, 19 TheUnionsaidthattheevidencerevealedthattheEmployer'srepresentatives fixatedonthereasonthatthegrievorbecausedistraughtandbecauseheremotional distresswascausedbyasituationintheworkplaceitwasdecidedMs.Lyonsshould notbepaidsickleave.Inmakingthisdecisiontheydisregardedthephysician's documentationandtheunderlyingmedicalconditionsthatcausedtheabsence.The EmployerputthegrievorandtheUniontothestrictproofofamedicalneedforthe absenceandthatonushasbeendischarged. TheUnionrelieduponReCityofKingstonandCUPE[2005]O.L.A.A.No.244 (Briggs);ReHamiltonHealthScienceCentreandOntarioNurses'Association (2008),169L.A.C.(4th)293(Devlin):ReScarhoroughCentenaryHospitaland OntarioNurses'Association(1987),32L.A.C.(3rd)435(H.D.Brown). EMPLOYERSUBMISSIONS AsanticipatedbytheUnion,theEmployercontendedthatitisveryrelevanttolook atthecircumstancesorcontextastowhythegrievorwantedtimeoff.Itisnecessary forthisBoardtotaketheevidenceregardingtheinvestigationanditsoutcomeinto accountindeterminingthismatter.Thegrievorwasangryattheresultofthe investigationandtheEmployerandshewastimeawayfromtheworkplace.Thatis notanappropriatereasonforthegrantingofsickleave.Itcertainlydoesnotcomply withthestandardssetoutintheHOODIPbrochure. Mr.Menard,fortheEmployerurgedthatthegrievorbearstoonustomakeaprima faciecaseofdisabilityandshefailedtodoso.Accordinglytherewasnoshiftingof theonusontotheEmployerthatwouldcausecompetingmedicalopinion.Itisnot sufficientforanemployeeorherphysiciantosaythatonehastobeoff"tocatch one'Sbreath,"WhileitistruethattheevidencerevealedDr.McDonaldistreating thegrievorforheavyuterinebleeding,therewasnocomplaintofthisbythegrievor. TheFebruary11,2009issomewhatmisleadingbecauseofthereferencetouterine 20 bleeding.Inthealternative,intheeventtheBoardfindsthatthemedicalsprovided weresufficient,thattheyestablishamedicalreasonforherabsence,theevidence didnotrevealtotaldisabilityassetoutintheHOODIPbrochure. TheevidencerevealedthatduringthetimewhenthegrievorwasunderDr. McDonald'scareforheavyuterinebleedingherabsenteeismwasnothigh.Indeed, inallof2008shewassickonly10.5days.Andinthemonthimmediatelypriorto thisincidentshewasawayjustoneday,ThismustleadthisBoardtofindthather absencewasduetoherangerwiththeEmployerandtheresultsoftheinvestigation. AsfranklynotedbyDr.McDonald,thegrievorwasinasituationalcrisisandthatis notsufficientforafindingoftotaldisability. TheEmployercontendedthatatmanypointsinthegrievor'sevidenceshewas simplynotcredible.ShesaidthatshedidnotaskDr,McDonaldfor"timeoff'andyet theFebruary11,2009notesaysjustthat.Further,thegrievordeniedhavingtold Ms.MillardthatherphysiciandidnotwanthertogobacktoworkbutMs.Millard's notewereclearinthisregard.Ineveryinstancewherethereisadifferenceinthe evidence,thegrievorshouldnotbebelieved. Thegrievorwastoldthatshewasbeingreassignedandthatherfirstfewdays wouldbeorientation.TheEmployersubmittedthatthisinformationisimportant becausesheknewthatatleastforsomeoftheshiftsatissueshewouldnot.be performingnursingfunctions.Ms.Lyonsshouldhaverevealedthisinformationto Dr.McDonaldsothatshecouldtakeitintoaccountinherdeterminationasto whetherthegrievorwasabletowork.Herfailuretodosoistelling. TheEmployersuggestedthattoupholdthisgrievancewouldsendthewrong messagetoemployees.Sickleaveshouldnotbepaidtoemployeeswhodisagree withsituationsintheworkplace.Thatiswhai:thiscaseisabout.Thegrievorleftthe workplaceintheheatofangerandthatwasthereasonshestayedawayforanother week. 21 Mr.Menardurgedthatthegrievor'sabuseofalcoholduringthistimemustbetaken intoaccount.Ifherabsencewereduetobingedrinkingsheisdisentitledtosick leaveassetoutintheexemptionsintheHOOD1Pbrochure,Sheadmittedtodrinking heavilyovertheweekendandprobablyduringtheweekaswell.Attheveryleast thelevelofdrinkingwouldhaveslowedherrecovery. Alloftheevidencethatwasheardinthiscaseisrelevantandmustbeconsideredin orderfortheBoardtodetermineifsickleaveispayabletothegrievorforthis period,theEmployercontended.Thegrievorwenttoherphysician,butwasnot examinedandDr.McDonald'sopinionwasbasedontheselfreporting{ofthegrievor. ShetoldDr.McDonaldshewasinacrisisandweknowthatitwascausedentirelyby workplaceevents.NotreatmentwasorderedbyDr.McDonaldandallofthesefacts mustleadtothegrievancebeingdismissed. TheEmployerrelieduponReHamiltonHealthSciencesandOntarioNu'rscs' Association[2008]O.L.A.A.No.277(Whitehead);ReCoastMountainBusCo.and CAW,Local111[2009]B.C.C.A.A.A.No10(Dorsey);ReVillaCaritalandHospital Employees'AssociationofBritishColumbia[2003]B.C.C.A.A.A.No172 (McEwen);ReCityofBramptonandCanadianUnionofPublicEmployees,Local 831(2008),174L.A.C.(4th)140(MacDowell);ReTownofCaledonandCUPE Local966[2008]O.L.A,A.No388(MacDowell);ReProvidenceCare,Mental HealthSciencesandOPSEULocal431(January27,2011),um'eported (Surdykowski);ReHamiltonHealthSciencesandOntarioNurses'Association (October5,2007),unreported(Surdykowski); UNIONREPLYSUBMISSIONS Ms.Smithurgedthatthisisnotacasewhereanemployeewenttotheirphysician andclaimedemotionalfatigueinordertogetanotefortimeoff.Dr.McDonaldwas clearthatthiswasanacutesituationalcrisisontopofachronicunderlying 22 condition.Itisthisunderlyingchronicconditionthatdistinguishesthiscasefrom manyothers.Absentthegrievor'slongstandingchronicgynecologicalconditionthis wouldbeadifferentcase.Thestressandemotionalimpactoftheinvestigation resultsonthegrievorwerecomplicatedbyherchroniccondition.Indeed,according toDr.McDonald,thatcombinationoffactorsrenderedhertotallydisabledfrom performingthedutiesofherownposition. TheUniondisagreedthatithadnotdischargeditsonustoshowmedicalrationale sufficienttomeettheHOODIPbrochuredefinition. Finally,theUnionsaidthatathoroughreviewoftheevidencerevealsthattherewas noindicationthatthegrievor'sfatiguewascausedbyalcohol.Indeed,therewasno evidenceofsignificantabuse.Thegrievor'salcoholconsumptionwasanindication ofherinabilitytocopeandshereportedthatsymptomtoherphysician.Shewas forthrightinthisregardduringherevidence.Shealsoreportednotsleepingandnot eatingproperly.Therewasnoevidenceofalcoholaddictionorabuse.Thegrievor shouldnotbedisentitledfromsickleavemerelybecausesheconsumedalcohol duringthisperiodoftime. DECISION Afterconsiderationofthefactsandsubmissionsinthismatte-,lamoftheviewthat thegrievancemustbeupheld.Howevel,IwouldberemissifIdidnotmakeclear thatabsentthegrievor'schronicgynecologicalcondition,thiswouldbeanentirely differentmatter. TheEmployerurgedthat1findthistobeasimplematterofanemployeebeing upsetbycircumstancesthataroseintheworkplacewantingafewdaysawayfrom theverypeoplewhocausedherdistressinthefirstinstance.Iunderstandthat characterizationbutinmyview,theevidencedoesnotsubstantiatesuchasimple finding.1cannotignorethedocumentaryandvivavoceevidencethatsupportedthe 23 grievor'sclaimoftotaldisability.Ms.Lyonshadbeenexperiencingheavyuterine bleedingthat,accordingtotheevidence,wasaffectingherhealth.Dr.McDonald testifiedthatherhemoglobinandironlevelsweredeficientwhichwouldcausea numberofsymptomsincludingfatigue.Attemptswerebeingmadetotreather conditionmedically,inanefforttoavoidsurgery.Includedinthedocumentation providedbyDr.McDonald,wasareportthatrevealedthegrievorhadundergonea medicalprocedurethreeorfourdayspriortoJanuary30th,2009.Dr.McDonaldwas clearinherevidencethatgiventhegrievor'smedicalstatusshewasoftheviewthat shecouldnotperformtheworkofherposition.Iacceptthatview. TheHospitalattemptedtomakemuchofthefactthatDr.McDonalddidnotexamine thegrievorduringhervisitonFebruary2,2009anddidnotorderanyparticular treatment.1findthisfactneithersurprisingnordeterminative.Ms,McDonaldhad beenattendingtothegrievor'smedicalneedsforanumberofyearsandknewher well.Shetestifiedthatshefoundthegrievortobenotcopingastheresultofa situationalcrisis.Shewasawareofthegrievor'slongtermhistoryandduringtbe thirtyminuteappointmentshebecameinformedastotheimmediatecausesforthe visit.AdecisionnottosubjectMs.Lyonstoaphysicalexaminationdoesnot diminishthegrievor'sneedformedicalattention.Indeed,Dr.McDonaldwas sufficientlyconcernedthatsheofferedtoprescribeanti-depressantmedication,The grievor'sdecisionnottoacceptanti-depressantmedicationdoesnotnegateDr. McDonald'sconcernforheremotionalhealth. 1founditinterestingthatthenotesentbytheEmployertothegrievoronJanuary 30,2009,acknowledgedher"currentdistress"andadvisedthatshemakeuseofthe EmployeeAssistanceProgramorothercommunityresources,Itseemstomethatif hermanagerwereoftheviewthatshewasmerelyactingoutinangerduetothe harassmentinvestigationthisinitialcommunicationwouldhavebeenconsiderably different. 24 TheEmployeraskedthisBoardtofindthattheevidenceofMs.Lyons'abilityto maintainbetterthanaveragesickleavenotwithstandinghermedicalcondition shouldleadtoafindingthatshewasmorelikelyjustangrywiththeEmployerand nottotallydisabledatthistime.Icannotagreewiththissuggestion.Accordingto Ms.England,thegrievorwasnotconsideredasickleaveabuser.Itappearsthather betterthanaverageattendancewasheldagainstherratherthanputtingheringood standing.Indeed,Iamoftheviewthathersickleavehistoryoughttohavegivenher thebenefitofthedoubt. InReProvidenceCare(supra),ArbitratorSurdykowskifoundthatamedicalnote statingthatanemployeewas"absentfromworkformedicalreasons"wasnot sufficient.Indeedhesaidthatitwas"patentlydeficientandthatfurthermedical informationwasnecessaryinthatrespect."Healsorestatedhisviewexpressedin ReHamiltonHealthSciences(supra)that: Theonusisontheemployeetoestablishentitlementtocollectiveagreement paidsickleavebenefits.Thisgenerallymeansthattheonusisonthe employeetoestablishthatanabsenceislegitimateinthesensethatsheis genuinelyunabletoreportforworkduetoillnessorinjury.Asageneral matter,theEmployerisentitledtosufficient"proof'oftheemployee's assertionthatsheisunabletoattendatworkduetoillnessorinjuryand entitledtobenefits.Alsoasageneralmatter,eventiftherearenopaid benefits available,ortheemployeeelectstoforgothem,theemployeris entitledtonoticeofthefactandtheexpecteddurationofanabsenceforthe legitimatebusinesspurposesofworkforcemanagementandabsenteeism controlpurposes." ArbitratorSurdykowskiwentontofindthattheEmployerisentitledtocertain informationsuchasthenatureoftheillness,IagreewiththeEmployerthatinthis casethemedicalinformationitreceivedonFebruary2,2009wasinsufficient,Itwas certainlywellwithinitsrighttoaskformoreinformation.However,asrequested, furtherinformationwasprovidedbothfi'omDr.McDonaldandfromthegrievor. AccordingtoevidenceofboththegrievorandMs,Millard,Ms.LyonsinformedMs. Millardofherchronicheavyuterinebleedingandreducedhemoglobinandiron.She alsospokeofherneedforahysterectomy,Thisinformationisbeyondwhatthe Employerisentitledtohave.Thegrievortestifiedthatshewasfrustratedbecause 25 shedidnotknowwhatinformationtheEmployerwantedbeyondwhatitalready had.Shethoughtthatinordertomakeherselfunderstooditwasbesttotellher Employerherdiagnosisandthepredominantsymptomsshewassufferingasa result.Inmyview,thatinformationcoupledwiththetwonotesfromDr,McDonald shouldhavebeensufficient. TheEmployertookthepositionthattherewasnolinkbetweenthegrievor's gynecologicalconditionandherphysicalexhaustionatthepointwhenshewas deniedthissickleave.ThatviewmighthavebeenunderstandableinonFebruary2, 2009whentheEmployerreceivedtheinadequatemedicalcertificate.However, moreevidencewasprovidedtoOccupationalHealthincludingdiagnosisand symptoms.Theinformationoughttohavebeentakenintoaccount.Instead,Ithink thatitwasdecidedearlyintlrismatterthatthegrievorwasabsentfromthe workplacesimplybecauseshewasangryabouttheresultsoftheinvestigationand thereforeangrywiththeEmployer.Thatdecisionforeclosedamorerational considerationofadditionalfactsastheywererevealed.Indeed,duringthecourseof thehearingdocumentaryevidencewasprovidedregardingmedicalprocedures undertakeninlate]anuaryof2009tostaunchthegrievor'sbleeding.WhileI appreciatethatthismorefulsomedocumentationwasnotavailabletotheEmployer earlier,perhapsthatknowledgeshouldhavecausedittoreviewitsinitialdecision. Thegrievor'sevidencewasthatthisproceduredidnothaveapositiveaffect.Rather, thereversewastrue.Inmyview,thesefactscoupledwiththedecreaseinhernext recordedhemoglobincertainlymakethelinktheEmployersought. TheEmployeraskedthatfindingsofcredibilitybemadeagainstthegrievor.Itwas urgedthatineveryinstanceofadifferenceintheevidencethegrievorshouldnothe believed.Thereweresomedifferencesinevidence.However,Iamoftheviewthat none6fthedisputedevidenceisdeterminativeofthismatter.Icertainlyfindthatno witnesswasmakinganefforttomisleadtheBoard.Recallofincidentsthattook placenmnthsoryearsearlierisnotperfect.Perspectiveshonestlyvary.Thereare 26 manycaseswherefindingsofcredibilityarecrucialanddeterminative,Thatisnot thecaseintheinstantmatter.Ifindnofaultinthisregardinthiscase, SickleaveisdealtwithinArticle37oftheCollectiveAgreement,Itstatesthat"The Hospitalwillassume100%responsibilityforprovidingandfundingashort-term sickleaveplanasdescribedinthecurrentHospitalsofOntarioDisabilityIncome Planbrochure,"TheHOODIPbrochureprovidesthatanemployee"mayreceivea sickpaybenefit"upto100percentofearningforupfifteenweeks"ifyoubecome totallydisabledandareunabletowork,"Totaldisabilityisdefinedas"unable,due toinjuryorillness,toperformtheregulardutiespertainingtotheoccupationin whichyouparticipatedimmediatelybeforebecomingdisabled,' TheEmployerurgedmetofindthatthegrievorcouldhavesatthroughan orientationprogram,However,Imustdeterminewhetherthegrievorwasunableto perform"theregulardutiespertainingtotheoccupation"inwhichsheparticipated immediatelybeforebecomingdisabled,Inalloftheevidencethathasbeen provided,Iamoftheviewthatshecouldnot, InReCityofKingston(supra),theissuewaswhetheranemployeewhowasabsent fromworkforreasonsthatwere,atleastinpart,causedbyanincidentinthe workplace.Inupholdingthegrievance,itwassaid,atparagraph43: ItisapparentthattheEmployerinthisinstancehasresistedpayingthe grievorsickleavebecauseitdoubtedthatthegrievorwasill,WhileImight notagreewiththatviewIcancertainlyunderstanditgiventheunfoldingof eventsinthismatter,TheEmployerwasoftheviewthatthegrievorsimply failedtoattendatwork,becausehedidnotgethisvacationrequest, However,thatviewiscontradictedbythemedicalcertificatesheobtained andprovidedtotheEmployerinatimelyfashion,Hedidnotattendatwork attherecommendationofhisphysicianbecauseof"anacutereactiveanxiety stateduetoanextremelystressfulsituationatwork,"further,thatanxiety manifesteditselfinphysicalsymptomssuchas"headaches,nausea, restlessnessandirritability,"Inmyview,itwasnotappropriatethatsick .leavebedeniedsimplybecausehis"acuteanxietystate"resultedfrom discussionsorconfrontationsintheworkplace,Thegenesisofananxiety stateisnotthedeterminingfactor,Whatisrelevantisthelevelofdisability 27 thatananxietystatecausesandthegrievor'sphysicianmadeclearthat,given hisstate,itwashermedicalrecommendationthathenotattendatwork. Iremainofthatview.Thefactthatthegrievorinitiallybecame"hysterical"asthe resultofasituationatworkdoesnot,inandofitself,disentitlehertosickleave.AsI statedinReCityofKingston(supra),thisdecisionshouldnotbeconsideredto standforthepropositionthatemployeescanexpecttobepaidSickleavebecause theyareunhappyaboutsomesituationintheworkplace.Entitlementtosickleaveis setoutintheHOODIPbrochureandtheCollectiveAgreement.Inthisinstance,the grievorwastotallydisabledasdefinedtherein. Forallofthosereasons,thegrievanceisallowed.Iremainseizedintheeventthat thepartieshavedifficultyimplementingthisdecision. DatedinToronto,this13thofFebruary,2012. FelicityD,Briggs 28