Toxic working climate: the principal's inaction constituted harassment

A teacher alleged that she was harassed by colleagues and criticized the school service centre for doing nothing to stop the harassment. The court first concluded that the employee had not suffered harassment, but rather incivility and unacceptable behaviour. In a small school with only twenty or so teachers, the principal could not have been unaware of the situation. And yet, despite being informed on numerous occasions that the climate was heavy and unhealthy, the principal did nothing, believing that time would sort things out. And yet, the principal's negligence lasted for years. It was the principal's duty to show leadership and take decisions when confronted with conflicting situations. The principal's nonchalance, indifference and inaction constitute not only a breach of the employer's duty of prevention, but also a form of psychological harassment.  The complaint is upheld.

Syndicat de l'enseignement de l'Outaouais et Centre de services scolaire au Coeur-des-Vallées
2024EXPT-701, 2024 QCTA 87, M^e Jean-Yves Brière