Mary Lou Tims

The Union filed a policy grievance alleging the Employer violated the collective agreement by paying eligible employees a $400 lump sum clothing allowance less statutory deductions, rather than a net payment of $400.

The Union argued the language was clear or, alternatively, latently ambiguous, relying on extrinsic evidence of negotiating history.

The arbitrator held that the clear language of the collective agreement required a gross payment of $400, noting that the Employer's statutory obligation to remit tax did not alter its compliance with the provision.

The grievance was dismissed.

In a grievance arbitration regarding the termination of the grievor's employment, a teleconference was held to address pre-hearing disclosure issues.

The Vice Chair ordered the Employer to provide the Union with all interview notes and statements of bargaining unit witnesses, as well as a specific medical letter.

The Employer also undertook to provide a general outline of the alleged misconduct and a list of witnesses for the first day of the hearing.