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I belonged to a Union and was terminated from my job, after 25yrs of stellar service. My employer claimed that it for "Misappropriation of Funds". As I had never misappropriated funds, I attributed the termination to the timing of a formal complaint I made regarding racism and discrimination in the workplace. Upon termination, I filed a Human Rights complaint and through my Union, an Arbitration hearing. My Union failed to represent me properly, offering me a Union rep rather than a lawyer and the Union rep was constantly suggesting that this would be a thin case while asking then telling me it would be easier if I had a "drinking problem" or "gambling problem". At the Arbitration hearing, my employer said that they would only continue with the hearing if we included the Human Rights complaint as well. I felt that I was being railroaded and officially withdrew from the Arbitration, in order to pursue the Human Rights matter. The judge from the HRT has now ruled and although her written decision clearly shows that doesn't believe there was any "misappropriation of funds", she states that she can not connect the dots to rule that the termination was due to reprisal for reporting discrimination and/or racism in the workplace. She even goes on to discredit the employer and his testimony, but unfortunately she can only rule on the application. I'm left with no job since March 2013 and my impeccable record of over 25yrs, tarnished . I have not been able to find employment since and I'm now 51yrs of age. Not only is my income gone, but so are my benefits, pension and most of all my reputation and dignity. Is there anything that can be done?

Please contact our firm to determine whether we can assist you appeal the Human Rights Tribunal's decision and/or bring a complaint alleging against your union regarding their duty of fair representation.
The Lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP
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