By Rosalind Russell – An employment arbitrator has ruled a former office worker who lost their job when MPP Mike Mantha was removed from the NDP caucus was unreasonably let go.
A hearing between the Ontario New Democratic Party and the Canadian Office And Professional Employees Union, Local 343 was held in late July in regards to the grievance.
The Arbitrator’s decision says the employee was not terminated for just cause because their employment with the party was frustrated, through no fault of their own, quote, “following the removal of MPP Mantha from the ONDP Caucus based on the substantiated findings he had engaged in sexual harassment, workplace harassment, discrimination on the basis of sex, abuse of authority and the creation of a toxic workplace in relation to the Grievor during the period of her employment.”
The arbitrator says they came to that decision after having heard the position of both parties, reviewed the investigation report into the original allegations, which concluded “on a balance of probabilities” that they were substantiated and more.
As a result, the arbitrator sent the matter back to the parties who will now negotiate a settlement.
In a statement, Mantha said while he disagreed with some of the characterizations made, on the advice of legal counsel, he will not be commenting further at this time.
To read the full decision, click here. (2024 CanLII 74335 (ON LA) | Ontario New Democratic Party Caucus v Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 343 | CanLII)
Photo by Rosalind Russell
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