GSB# 2021-1479

UNION# 2021-0164-0101

IN THE MATTER OF AN ARBITRATION

Under

THE CROWN EMPLOYEES COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ACT

Before

THE GRIEVANCE SETTLEMENT BOARD

BETWEEN

Ontario Public Service Employees Union (Watkins)

Union

• and -

The Crown in Right of Ontario (Liquor Control Board of Ontario)

Employer

BEFORE

Diane Gee

Arbitrator

FOR THE UNION

George Lin Ontario Public Service Employees Union Grievance Officer

FOR THE EMPLOYER

Mackenzie Anderson Liquor Control Board of Ontario Counsel

HEARING DATE

May 2, 2022

Decision

1This matter is a grievance filed by OPSEU on behalf of Kacee Watkins that was scheduled to be heard commencing at 10:00 a.m. over video conferencing on May 2, 2022. Mr. Watkins was aware of the time and date of the scheduled hearing. At 10:00 a.m. on May 2, 2022, Mr. Watkins was not in attendance. The parties stood down until 10:30 in case Mr. Watkins had been delayed, however, at 10:30 Mr. Watkins was still not in attendance nor had he contacted anyone to explain his absence.

2Mr. Watkins is hereby ordered to provide to Union counsel the reasons for his absence on May 2, 2022 no later than May 16, 2022 failing which this matter will be deemed dismissed. In the event Mr. Watkins provides the Union with the reasons for his absence, such reasons are to be provided to counsel for the LCBO who will then determine, and advise the GSB, no later than May 16, 2022, whether the Employer is satisfied with the reasons provided and agrees to the relisting of this matter; challenges the sufficiency of the reasons and requires more information; or is not satisfied with the reasons and seeks to have the matter dismissed.

3In the event there is a dispute between the parties as to the sufficiency of the information provided or whether the reasons given ought to lead to the dismissal of this matter, the parties are to advise the GSB so arrangements can be made for a telephone conference.