Pushing of Foreman on Platform Justified Worker’s Termination

A worker pushed a foreman, causing him to lose his footing on a metal platform with stairs. Although the worker claimed he acted in self-defence, he was fired. The union filed a grievance. But the Labour Relations Board said the worker, who was a sub-foreman, had violated the company’s workplace violence policy in a location that was inherently dangerous. He didn’t apologize for his actions and there was no indication he’d be able to work with the foreman in the future. Thus, the Board concluded that although the worker didn’t have a disciplinary record, his termination was justified [Canadian Union of Skilled Workers v. Hydro One Inc., [2012] CanLII 23317 (ON LRB), May 3, 2012].