Shae MacPherson

The union requested a further extension of time to file medical information explaining the grievor's failure to attend a scheduled hearing.

The employer opposed the extension.

The arbitrator granted the extension, finding that the potential harm to the grievor of a precipitous deemed dismissal outweighed the negative impact of delay on the employer, as the extension was without prejudice to the employer's position.

The time to file supporting documentation was extended to March 30, 2026.

The union sought to explain the grievor's failure to attend a scheduled hearing, stating she had been hospitalized.

The employer objected to accepting this assertion without supporting medical documentation.

The union requested that the matter be relisted or, alternatively, that further time be provided to obtain the medical documentation, noting difficulties in contacting the grievor.

The arbitrator found that the asserted hospitalization would provide an adequate explanation if proven, and granted an extension to December 23, 2025, for the union to provide the required documentation, failing which the deemed termination would take effect.

The union sought an adjournment of the grievance arbitration hearing after the grievor failed to appear.

The union noted recent difficulties in contacting the grievor and could not explain the absence.

The employer agreed to allow a time-limited opportunity for an explanation.

The arbitrator ruled that the grievance would be dismissed in 30 days unless the union provided details of the reasons for the grievor's failure to attend, subject to the employer's review and potential hearing on the sufficiency of those reasons.