Arbitrator John Stout in a recent award held that it was reasonable for Hydro One to suspend without pay workers who refused to comply with the COVID policy of either being vaccinated or subject to regular testing.
Here is what he said :
[11] I am also of the view that prohibiting employees from attending work if they do not provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 RAT is fair and reasonable in the circumstances of this pandemic. Hydro One is complying with their obligations under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, to take reasonable precautions to protect the health and safety of their employees and the public that they serve. The Policy is a reasonable compromise that respects employee rights and balances the various important interests.
[12] In terms of accommodating the Grievors with remote work, I agree with Hydro One that such an accommodation is not necessary or required in these circumstances. Most of the Grievors could not perform their work remotely in any event. It is also not necessary to provide remote work where a reasonable alternative has already been provided to those employees who refuse to disclose their vaccinated status (i.e., RAT). If employees refuse the reasonable alternative, then that is their free choice but Hydro One has no further obligation to accommodate such individuals.
If you want a copy of this case, email me at barry@barryfisher.ca