B.C. policewomen want lawsuit, not labour arbitration, over alleged discrimination
Female police officers in B.C. are seeking a class-action lawsuit rather than labour arbitration to address systemic harassment and discrimination.Summary
A group of female police officers in British Columbia is pursuing a class-action lawsuit against municipal police forces, arguing that the alleged harassment, bullying, and discrimination constitute a systemic issue rather than a standard labour dispute. Their lawyer, Kyle Bienvenu, contends that the lower court judge mischaracterized the claim by reducing it to working conditions, such as overtime or retirement benefits, which is inaccurate. The lawsuit targets a "system of institutions" that has allegedly failed to stop gender discrimination. The City of Surrey and its police board have argued that the issues raised fall under collective agreements and should be handled by labour arbitrators. However, the plaintiffs, including former Vancouver police officer Cheryl Weeks, maintain that arbitration and other options like workers' compensation would not provide adequate protection or justice for victims who may still have to work with their harassers. The B.C. Court of Appeal is currently considering the case.
(Source：SooToday)