GSB# 2022-8835; 2022-9850; 2022-9851; 2022-9975;

2022-9976; 2023-02520

UNION# 2022-0230-0010; 2022-0230-0015; 2022-0230-0016; 2022-0230-0017;

2022-0230-0018; 2023-0230-0026

IN THE MATTER OF AN ARBITRATION

Under

THE CROWN EMPLOYEES COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ACT

Before

THE GRIEVANCE SETTLEMENT BOARD

BETWEEN

Ontario Public Service Employees Union (Sharma)

Union

• and -

The Crown in Right of Ontario (Ministry of the Solicitor General)

Employer

BEFORE

Adam Beatty

Arbitrator

FOR THE UNION

Robert Healey Ryder Wright Holmes Bryden Nam LLP Counsel

FOR THE EMPLOYER

Felix Lau Treasury Board Secretariat Legal Services Branch Counsel

HEARING

February 14, 2025

Decision

1The background to these grievances is set out in a decision, dated May 29, 2024, addressing a request for production by the Union. Since that decision was issued, there have been three hearing dates: June 3, 10, and 12, 2024. The grievor was present at all of those hearing dates. The next hearing date was scheduled for February 14, 2025. The hearing opened shortly before 10:00 a.m. The grievor was not present. The hearing resumed at 10:45 with the grievor still not in attendance. The hearing was adjourned at 11:00 a.m. The grievor never attended.

2Counsel for the Union advised that the grievor was provided with the Notice of Hearing and had not provided any advance notice of her inability to attend the hearing. Nor did the grievor respond to any of Counsel's attempts to contact her on the morning of the hearing.

3The next hearing date is scheduled for March 7, 2025. The grievor is directed to provide the parties with an explanation, and any supporting documentation, for her non-attendance on February 14, 2025 by no later than March 7, 2025.

4The grievor should be aware that if she fails to provide an explanation for her absence on February 14, 2025, or if she fails to attend the March 7, 2025 hearing date (or any subsequent hearing dates), the Employer reserves the right to provide submissions on whether or not the grievances have been abandoned. In addition, if the grievor provides reasons for her failure to attend on February 14, 2025, the Employer reserves the right to provide submissions on whether or not the explanation provided justifies having these grievances continue or whether the grievances should be dismissed.