City of Toronto named in $22M suit against 'sham' contractor

The City of Toronto and One Community Solutions (OCS), a security contractor providing services at shelters and locations associated with homelessness, are named as defendants in a class-action lawsuit seeking $22 million in damages. The suit alleges OCS committed numerous labor violations, including unpaid wages and excessive working hours, and that the City of Toronto was aware of or deliberately ignored these issues. The lawsuit claims OCS is a “sham corporation” used to facilitate financial misconduct by its directors, Damion Dunston and Jason Segree, diverting funds to other entities like SafeCity Solutions.

The case is brought forward by Ibrahim Idriss, a former OCS employee, and could potentially cover 500 to 1,000 current and former employees. Idriss alleges he worked in dangerous conditions, exposed to overdoses and violence, while being underpaid and facing retaliation for raising concerns about labor violations. The lawsuit details allegations of systemic failures to pay overtime, provide adequate safety equipment, and adhere to Ontario’s Employment Standards Act.

The City of Toronto had yet to receive a statement of claim as of Friday, and OCS did not respond to requests for comment. The allegations have not been proven in court, and the class action must be certified before proceeding. The lawsuit also references prior reporting by the Toronto Sun regarding allegations of mistreatment of OCS employees and ongoing government investigations into the company.

(Source：Toronto Sun)