Psychological harassment: the City intervened quickly to stop the harassment

A management secretary in the Department of Public Works alleged that she was harassed by the department coordinator. The evidence revealed that, over a period of five months, on three occasions, the coordinator made inappropriate comments such as “Jesus, Marie, what’s your problem…” According to the arbitrator, on these occasions, the coordinator exhibited vexatious behaviour towards the employee, which created a harmful work environment for her. However, the evidence also showed that the City had taken the required measures as soon as it was informed regarding the situation at the time the grievance was lodged. Moreover, the employee exhibited a lack of openness by refusing without cause the mediation procedure and the City's offer to continue working in a building other than the one where the coordinator's office was located. The employer has also taken appropriate action and corrective measures with respect to the latter. For these reasons, the grievance was denied.

Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 2927 v. City of Lévis

2018EXPT-38, 2017 QCTA 871, Denis Provençal Esq.