Nancy Virk

The Union requested an adjournment of the grievance arbitration hearing to obtain a medical opinion regarding the grievor's cognitive capacity to assist in preparing particulars and participating in the proceedings.

The Employer did not oppose a short adjournment, though it reserved its right to bring preliminary motions to dismiss the grievances.

The Arbitrator granted the adjournment, directing the Union to obtain the medical opinion by December 15, 2025, before scheduling a conference call to determine next steps.

The Union filed two grievances alleging harassment and discrimination against a K9 handler by the Employer, including incidents following a medical leave and a dispute over the return of a work vehicle.

Following an unsuccessful mediation, the Arbitrator issued a case management decision setting a timeline for the exchange of particulars, production requests, and preliminary objections, and scheduled hearing dates for 2026.

The Union grieved the Employer's contracting out of bargaining unit work to a private security company during the temporary closure of the Ontario Correctional Institute.

At a hearing, the parties agreed upon a schedule for exchanging comments on a draft Agreed Statement of Fact, identifying witnesses, and compiling a joint book of documents.

At the Employer's request, the Arbitrator issued a procedural order formalizing the agreed-upon schedule.