The plaintiff, a senior area supervisor with nearly 30 years of service, brought an action for wrongful dismissal after being terminated for cause.
The employer alleged the plaintiff breached company policies regarding conflicts of interest, markdowns, and ethical conduct, including failing to disclose a relationship with a cleaning contractor and improperly discounting furniture for himself and friends.
The court found the plaintiff engaged in serious misconduct, including fraud and breach of trust, which went to the core of the employment relationship.
Applying the McKinley proportionality test, the court concluded the employer had just cause for summary dismissal and dismissed the action.