Pregnant teacher fired by college.

[Gurn]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQUnVJ3PzFshttps://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/alberta-technical-college-ordered-to-pay-former-teacher-who-was-fired-for-pregnancy/ar-AAPzKvH?ocid=msedgntp

 

EDMONTON — A human rights commission has ordered the Alberta Pipe Trade College to pay $35,000 to a former instructor who was fired because she was pregnant.

The decision from the Human Rights Tribunal of Alberta said the technical college in Edmonton did not try to accommodate Branka Turnbull’s pregnancy in the male-dominated workplace and instead immediately terminated her.

"I got tears in my eyes. I cried," Turnbull said in an interview Friday.

"I was just overjoyed and I couldn’t believe that I could turn a chapter on this journey. ...There was vindication."

Turnbull had been an instructor at the college for two years when she became pregnant in 2013. She said she was passionate about teaching in the trades and was proud of her position. 

The tribunal's decision, released earlier this month, said Turnbull's pregnancy was high-risk and her doctor advised that she'd need some changes at work, including a change in hours because of severe morning sickness. The doctor also advised she should avoid too much heavy lifting.

A colleague at the college told Turnbull to speak with the department head Jack Johnston, who had the authority to make those types of decisions. At a meeting later that day, Turnbull told Johnston she had a medical issue and would need the accommodations directed by her doctor.

After a brief discussion, Turnbull and Johnston agreed to meet again the next morning to continue the conversation.

However, the decision said, the next day when Turnbull showed up for the meeting she was instead informed that her employment was terminated. 

"My happiest moment in my life was taken away from me in their decision to dismiss me so callously," Turnbull said.

Kathryn Oviatt, the tribunal chair, wrote in her decision that the dismissal happened in the context of "a poor working relationship" between Johnston and the Turnbull because she had previously alleged sexual harassment against another colleague.

"The complainant worked in a male-dominated workplace where she felt unsupported," Oviatt said.

"And her direct report to whom she requested accommodation was the same person who did not address to her satisfaction previous sexual harassment allegations."

The tribunal did not make findings on the allegations of sexual harassment.

Chris Waples, the current director of education at the Alberta Pipe Trade College, said he would not comment on the decision. He said the matter is now with the college's legal counsel. 

The college argued Turnbull was fired because the requests were an unreasonable burden and would cause undue hardship.

Johnston told the human rights tribunal that Turnbull had not said her medical issue was a pregnancy, which she disputes. But, Johnston conceded, he didn't inquire further what the condition was or get more details about the accommodations Turnbull would need.

Oviatt said a "medical condition" could relate to several protected grounds, including physical disability, mental disability and, as in Turnbull's case, gender.

"The fact that the respondent did not know exactly what protected ground the medical condition related to does not insulate it from liability for discrimination when it knew that a protected ground was involved and decided to terminate her because she asked for accommodation," Oviatt said.

The impacts on Turnbull were severe, the decision said. Right after she was fired, she was so distressed she couldn't breathe and had to seek medical treatment. 

Oviatt wrote in her decision that the discrimination deeply affected Turnbull’s self-respect, dignity, self-esteem and confidence.

"The trauma and distress that the complainant experienced was palpable in the hearing, even many years after the events."

Turnbull said the last eight years have been extremely difficult and she no longer teaches in the trades. She credits her husband and family for providing her support. 

Turnbull said she was motivated to continue with the human rights complaint over many years to ensure other women in the trades, especially her former students, wouldn't have to deal with the same situation. 

She also wanted to ensure the male-dominated industry knows that it's important to respect people's rights.

Turnbull said now that she's been vindicated, she wants to enjoy life and be happy with what she has.

"To not focus on what I lost and focus on the future and hopefully that I’ve made a difference, not just women but other people."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2021. "

[Gurn]

So a place of "higher" education, had not pried itself out of the 1950's.

Wonder where that Human resource dud(e) got his education?

[Pears]

An Albertan city did this? 

[Ghostsof1915]

I knew there was wedges between society. But this? 

Reminds me of the Principal that likes Iron Maiden. 

 

Up the Irons!

 

https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/satanic-panic-2021-heavy-metal-loving-ontario-principal-can-stay-despite-parents-petitioning-for-her-removal

[thedestroyerofworlds]

Shouldn't be surprised that the segment of the population that tends to vote a certain way has people who think wamenzz should be at home with the childrinzz and the almighty Lord should be the word we follow so no cool music for you.  

[-SN-]

35k doesn't even seem like enough here. 

[NewbieCanuckFan]

34 minutes ago, Ghostsof1915 said:

I knew there was wedges between society. But this? 

Reminds me of the Principal that likes Iron Maiden. 

 

Up the Irons!

 

https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/satanic-panic-2021-heavy-metal-loving-ontario-principal-can-stay-despite-parents-petitioning-for-her-removal

 

[VancouverHabitant]

35 minutes ago, thedestroyerofworlds said:

Shouldn't be surprised that the segment of the population that tends to vote a certain way has people who think wamenzz should be at home with the childrinzz and the almighty Lord should be the word we follow so no cool music for you.  

Things aren't so black and white. It's not only a voting divide, it also crosses cultures, etc.  

 

Not saying that it's not the case in this particular one.  

 

Sidenote:  this type of talk @thedestroyerofworlds starts leaning into American politics where anything bad is blamed on the other side, it's always us vs them, etc.  It's not good and it's not healthy.  Look at how far down American politics have sunk to.  

I'm pretty proud of the fact that the last Canadian election had people talking openly about who they like and despise, and showing respect to each other no matter what. 

[VancouverHabitant]

It's not easy for women in trades until they find a good company/environment.  

My little cousin is going through a program at BCIT right now where it's only her and 15 other guys in the class.  

First week in class everyone's being asked what they think about doing a part of the class online as distance education, and when it's her turn she says that she'd prefer to be there in person and get more hands-on experience.  Some guy says "I'd like to get my hands on experience with you" to which a few guys laugh to and the instructor does nothing.  Then the following week the instructor mentions that she'll have no trouble finding a job because she's a woman and that companies will hire her just based on that fact.  She's just trying to fit in and do well in the program but it's challenging. I can tell that these things bothered her because she told me about them a few weeks after they happened, meaning that they were still on her mind. 

 

So just to bring it back to the story at hand, trade school institutions have a greater chance of someone like Jack Johnston being employed by them and in a position of authority as opposed to the traditional college/university just because of the tradition.  I switched over to trades from the office environment halfway through my working career so far but have been lucky to work with/alongside good people.  

 

This lady should've gotten way more then $35,000 as compensation in this case.  

[4petesake]

I have a very similar story about my niece in Lethbridge. When her six year old son was diagnosed with leukaemia she applied for compassionate care leave with her employer since she needed to spend considerable time at Children’s Hospital in Calgary for chemotherapy treatment. It was denied and her employment was terminated so she took it to the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal. Her case didn’t succeed as she had only been employed at her company for nine months and labour law at the time held that one year was required for unpaid compassionate care.

 

Her case was very public and Labour Minister (NDP at the time) asked her to consult on new labour law. It has since passed and people are now eligible for unpaid CC of 27 weeks after 90 days of employment. We are very proud of her and how hard she worked to make sure this didn’t happen to others.

[JM_]

'berta gonna 'berta. But this is a problem in all the trades, and its stupid. Trying to keep 1/2 the population out of certain jobs just hurts the economy.

[-DLC-]

When I was pregnant with my son, it coincided with reno's being done in the building I worked in.  Very strong paint fumes were filtering up to our floor and it was not only making me nauseous, but dizzy at times.  

 

I decided to take early maternity leave and got nothing but flack from my boss.  The same boss who, after returning from his own personal LOA to travel around Europe got upset with me when my Mom had a brain aneurysm on a Friday and I called in to work sick on Monday as I was at St. Paul's with Dad, awaiting her life or death surgery (they told us it was 50/50 that she'd survive...but that without the surgery she'd die).

 

It just happened to be that the weekend she collapsed at work was the last of my holiday time and I was due back on Monday.  He actually said to me, after telling him my Mom was at risk of dying (and I'd been at the hospital for about 50 hours without sleep) "you've just been off two weeks, what am I supposed to do?".   I won't tell you my response (it's not allowed here) but it was something to the effect of Go flip pancakes with yourself?  I'd had enough of him by this point.  

Women often have to suck it up because we're viewed as disposable.  It...sucks.

 

I ended up leaving the job because it just was too much stress having to contend with a boss who only saw one side of things...his.  But I shouldn't have had to.

 

 

[allegend]

Things are getting better now, especially in BC. At the elementary school where I recently

taught, several ladies have taken maternity leave for long periods. The teachers and 

support staff are all in unions.

 

[JM_]

1 hour ago, -DLC- said:

When I was pregnant with my son, it coincided with reno's being done in the building I worked in.  Very strong paint fumes were filtering up to our floor and it was not only making me nauseous, but dizzy at times.  

 

I decided to take early maternity leave and got nothing but flack from my boss.  The same boss who, after returning from his own personal LOA to travel around Europe got upset with me when my Mom had a brain aneurysm on a Friday and I called in to work sick on Monday as I was at St. Paul's with Dad, awaiting her life or death surgery (they told us it was 50/50 that she'd survive...but that without the surgery she'd die).

 

It just happened to be that the weekend she collapsed at work was the last of my holiday time and I was due back on Monday.  He actually said to me, after telling him my Mom was at risk of dying (and I'd been at the hospital for about 50 hours without sleep) "you've just been off two weeks, what am I supposed to do?".   I won't tell you my response (it's not allowed here) but it was something to the effect of Go flip pancakes with yourself?  I'd had enough of him by this point.  

Women often have to suck it up because we're viewed as disposable.  It...sucks.

 

I ended up leaving the job because it just was too much stress having to contend with a boss who only saw one side of things...his.  But I shouldn't have had to.

 

 

I really never understood why some bosses treat people this way. It doesn't get more work out of people, all loyalty is burned, and they just need to go find someone else. 

Edited October 16, 2021 by JM_

[Alflives]

14 minutes ago, allegend said:

Things are getting better now, especially in BC. At the elementary school where I recently

taught, several ladies have taken maternity leave for long periods. The teachers and 

support staff are all in unions.

 

I think dad’s in some unions can take baby leave too, no?

Edited October 16, 2021 by Alflives

[-DLC-]

13 minutes ago, allegend said:

Things are getting better now, especially in BC. At the elementary school where I recently

taught, several ladies have taken maternity leave for long periods. The teachers and 

support staff are all in unions.

 

I also love that fathers can take parental leave too.  We're finally getting things right.

[allegend]

Yes, fathers can take leave as well. 

[Russ]

2 hours ago, Alflives said:

I think dad’s in some unions can take baby leave too, no?

Dad's have the legal right to take paternity leave.  Mother gets the first 15 weeks (I think) then the rest of the 1 year/18 months time can be split.  I took 8 months off work with my son. 

 

Has nothing to do with unions, its a family thing now thats mandated by government that the last 8-9 months can go to whichever parent.  They did recently put in a 3 week fathers time to help with the kids, I could have taken that with my second too but I had just come back from a broken leg and needed to start making more money again so I didn't even use that to my advantage. 

[-DLC-]

59 minutes ago, Russ said:

Dad's have the legal right to take paternity leave.  Mother gets the first 15 weeks (I think) then the rest of the 1 year/18 months time can be split.  I took 8 months off work with my son. 

 

Has nothing to do with unions, its a family thing now thats mandated by government that the last 8-9 months can go to whichever parent.  They did recently put in a 3 week fathers time to help with the kids, I could have taken that with my second too but I had just come back from a broken leg and needed to start making more money again so I didn't even use that to my advantage. 

It's how it should be.  Dad's every bit as important as Mom and in those early years, it really matters.

[Ilunga]

41 minutes ago, -DLC- said:

It's how it should be.  Dad's every bit as important as Mom and in those early years, it really matters.

From the minute you are born to watching your parents take their last breath,both parents are equally important to the child and the influence they have on their lives.