Brendan Morgan

The complainant requested a change of venue for a scheduled mediation session from Toronto to London, Ontario, citing medical reasons and an ongoing WSIB matter.

The employer opposed the request, suggesting a teleconference instead.

The Public Service Grievance Board granted the complainant's request, finding that holding the mediation in Toronto would result in unreasonable expense and inconvenience under Practice Note #3.

The Board ordered the mediation to proceed in person in London.

The complainant filed a grievance alleging his position was made redundant, resulting in an improper reassignment or constructive dismissal.

The employer raised a preliminary objection that the reassignment and performance evaluation were not reviewable by the Public Service Grievance Board.

Following an unsuccessful mediation session, the Board issued a preliminary decision setting a schedule for the parties to file written submissions on the employer's jurisdictional objection.

The complainant, a public servant, filed a complaint contesting a two-day disciplinary suspension.

The employer raised a preliminary objection that the complaint was untimely under Regulation 378/07 of the Public Service of Ontario Act.

The complainant received notice of the suspension on June 30, 2017, but did not file his formal notice of complaint until July 21, 2017, exceeding the mandatory 14-day time limit.

The Board held that the time limits are mandatory and it lacks jurisdiction to extend them.

The employer's preliminary objection was upheld and the complaint was dismissed.