CANADIAN RAILWAY OFFICE OF ARBITRATION
CASE NO. 3339
Heard in Montreal, Thursday, 15 May 2003 concerning
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
and
BROTHERHOOD OF MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEES
EX PARTE
DISPUTE:
Claim on behalf of Mr. Kim Beal. BROTHERHOOD’S STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The grievor sustained a serious back injury while at work on July 19, 1999. Since that time he has been absent from work on authorized disability. On May 30, 2000, the grievor’s neurosurgeon, Mr. Michael Schwartz, who is also Professor of Surgery at the University of Toronto, wrote a letter stating that, in his opinion, the grievor was ready to attempt a desk job. Notwithstanding this, and the grievor’s 25 years of service with the Company, the grievor has never been offered a suitable position with the Company. A grievance was therefore filed. The Union contends that: (1) The grievor is thoroughly trained in all aspects of office work; (2) Jobs were available that the grievor could have filled; (3) The Company has failed in its duty to accommodate this injured employee and therefore has unjustly dealt with him. The Union requests that the grievor be assigned an appropriate office position in the Toronto area and that he be compensated for all wages and benefits lost at the appropriate rate since May 30, 2000. The Company denies the Union’s contentions and declines the Union’s request. FOR THE BROTHERHOOD: (SGD.) R. A. BOWDEN SYSTEM FEDERATION GENERAL CHAIRMAN There appeared on behalf of the Company: Wm. McMurray – Counsel, Montreal D. Laurendeau – Manager, Human Resources, Montreal R. Paradis – Workers’ Compensation Claims Coordinator P. Dren – Terminal Manager C. Gilbert – Human Resources Associate And on behalf of the Brotherhood: P. Davidson – Counsel, Ottawa G. D. Housch – Appointee, ESF, Ottawa D. Brown – General Counsel, Ottawa K. Beal – Grievor At the request of the parties, the hearing was adjourned sine dies.