Seven black employees filed complaints alleging they were laid off by Ontario Hydro because of their race. The Board of Inquiry found that the ranking system used to determine lay-offs was informal and subjective, allowing for racial prejudice to influence the decisions. The Board concluded that foreman Jack Watson discriminated against four of the complainants (Mears, Walker, Trotman, and Wills) and that Ontario Hydro was responsible due to its laissez-faire management practices. The complaints of the other three employees were dismissed. The four successful complainants were awarded compensation for lost wages, general damages for humiliation, and interest.
1983-12-16
Ontario Board of Inquiry
CHRR Doc. 84-011
B.L. Mears, Gifford Walker, George Wills, Hollis Trotman, Thomas Atherly, Hurbert Telphia and Leon Francis Complainants
v.
Ontario Hydro and Jack Watson, A. Watkiss, T. Ouellette, and Morris Loveness Respondents
Date of Decision: December 16, 1983
Place: