An arbitrator rules on the legality of administrative suspensions without pay for investigations in collective labour relations contexts and zero-tolerance alcohol policies for employees in high-risk positions
The decision of arbitrator Pierre Laplante in the case of Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique, section locale 4333 et Services de quai Fagen inc contains several passages of interest to employers with unionized workplaces, including on the right to proceed with an administrative suspension without pay for the purpose of an investigation, the starting point for the imposition of a disciplinary measure, and the binding nature for the arbitration tribunal of a zero tolerance policy with respect to alcohol and drug use for employees in high-risk positions.
