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ARTICLE · 01 JUNE 2012

The HR Space: Excessive Absenteeism: When Enough is Enough

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Employers often wonder when an employee’s "innocent" or no-fault absences reach a level that warrants termination. Can these employees ever be fired? Yes, is the answer from one New Brunswick labour arbitrator, in Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1252 and Vitalité Health Network.

CanadaEmployment and HR
Keri Bennett
Keri Bennett
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The HR Space is edited by Louise Béchamp, Karen M. Sargeant and Brian P. Smeenk.

Employers often wonder when an employee's "innocent" or no-fault absences reach a level that warrants termination. Can these employees ever be fired? Yes, is the answer from one New Brunswick labour arbitrator, in Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1252 and Vitalité Health Network  (PDF).

Facts

A nurse at a regional hospital in New Brunswick was excessively absent over a 24 year period. The employer made repeated efforts to address her absenteeism, including ongoing letters and meetings under an attendance management program. The grievor's random, yet continual absences, caused a negative impact on patients, her co-workers and the employer. The employer issued a written reprimand, raised the threat of suspension and threats of dismissal from 2005 to 2010.

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