The complainants, three employees at a gypsum mine, refused to work after discovering that the mine's fire alarm system did not function during power failures, which were frequent.
The employer implemented a temporary contingency plan, but the complainants felt it was inadequate and continued to refuse work, leading to their suspension.
The Ontario Labour Relations Board found that the complainants had reasonable grounds to believe the workplace was unsafe and that the employer violated section 24 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act by disciplining them.
The Board ordered the employer to compensate the complainants for all losses suffered as a result of the suspensions.
