Investigations And Terminations That Cost – Part I

A B.C. employer has recently been hit with a significant damage award related to the termination of a long service employee. The court found two major problems: a flawed investigation and an insensitive termination.

This week, we look at the investigation.

Stephanie Vernon spent her entire working life – 30 years from the age of 19 – working for the Liquor Distribution Branch. She became a manager, known for her aggressive style and demanding ways, but her performance reviews were exemplary. There had never been a complaint against her, she had never received any warning about her management style, and several employees credited her with their success in careers with the LDB.