A physical test imposed on PSAC members at National Defence is found to be discriminatory
Published by Patrick July 12th, 2006 in Treasury Board, Uncategorized Tags: sv, Treasury Board, unde.
The Public Service Labour Relations Board ruled on July 7, 2006 that a firefighter fitness test adopted and implemented by the Department of National Defence is discriminatory on the basis of age and sex.
The Board’s adjucator also directed the employer “to immediately cease using the eight minute standard as a condition of employment for DND firefightersâ€.
Two PSAC members had filed a grievance against National Defence in 2002 on the basis that it was discriminatory against older and women firefighters. The test, introduced in 2000, became compulsory in July 2002; firefighters had to complete the fitness test in eight minutes as condition of employment. Failure to participate in the test was the subject of administrative and disciplinary action.
The Union of National Defence Employees (UNDE) fought the implementation of the test and several PSAC/UNDE members refused to take the test. No less than 327 grievances were filed by PSAC/UNDE members to oppose the implementation of the test as a condition of employment at DND.