An Employee’s $2 Million Theft, Employers’ and Workers’ Rights, Defamation Claims and More
Each month, Spraggs Law publishes Vancouver Legal News, a curated selection of articles about legal issues discussed in the news. This month, we’re covering a case involving a BC employee who stole and resold two million dollars worth of merchandise from his employer as an act of vengeance. We also cover new gig-worker regulations, a workplace surveillance scenario and recent defamation claims and harassment cases before wrapping up with a personal injury case that cost a Smithers 7-Eleven over $900K in damages.
Balancing Employers’ and Workers’ Rights and Best Interests
A costly vengeance
A former merchandise handler at London Drugs was sentenced to two years in prison for stealing (and reselling) $2 million worth of high-end goods over five years. Exploiting lax security, he concealed items like laptops in his clothing and sold them online, reportedly earning between $750,000 and $1 million. The employee, once confronted, confessed that his thefts stemmed from dissatisfaction with his job, viewing them as an act of vengeance against the company. The case highlighted the significant emotional and operational toll such thefts can take on retailers and the degree of harm one disgruntled employee can inflict on their employer.
Additional wins for gig workers
New regulations in British Columbia aimed at protecting gig workers have sparked a mix of hope and skepticism among those affected. Key provisions include improved pay standards (including a $20.88 minimum wage, vehicle allowance, benefits, workers’ compensation coverage, tip protection and pay transparency). Still, concerns remain amongst gig workers regarding unpaid time waiting between assignments and the lack of benefits compared to what employees are entitled to. It also remains to be seen how these changes will affect gig workers, the companies they work for, and whether the costs resulting from these regulations will be passed down to customers.
Workplace surveillance allowances and limitations
Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) plans to implement employee location tracking in the UK as part of its return-to-office strategy. Legal insights from Canadian employment lawyers highlight that while electronic monitoring is permissible in Canada, it must be job-related and limited to working hours. Employment lawyers also warn how employers’ misuse of employee tracking outside of work hours and during breaks could result in profound implications, including employees being entitled to compensation, severance and other damages. Critics argue that enforcing return-to-work policies through tracking is not the most effective approach.
The Real Life Costs of Defamation and Harassment
Family accuses blogger of online defamation
The family that owns a Kelowna fruit-packing company has initiated a lawsuit against a blogger for alleged defamation and harassment. The defamation claim accuses the blogger of spreading false statements linking the family to criminal and terrorist organizations. Following an ignored cease and desist letter, the family is seeking an injunction to prevent further defamatory posts. They report suffering reputational damage that prevents them from travelling safely abroad and causes them to fear potential community backlash. The accused blogger, in response, insists his claims are factual and has not yet addressed the lawsuit in detail. None of the allegations have been proven in court. The case highlights the degree of damage such claims can have on a business and the people involved.
Harassment versus legitimate criticism
A recent article from Vancouver Sun addresses the escalating issue of toxicity and harassment faced by local government officials in British Columbia. This article highlights alarming incidents, such as abusive behaviour from the public; it emphasizes the detrimental impact on civic engagement and public service With upcoming resolutions aimed at combating such challenges at the Union of BC. Municipalities convention, the piece underscores the complexities of distinguishing legitimate criticism from outright harassment while advocating for a safer and more respectful political environment.
Port Alberni under fire
SAN Group, a British Columbia forestry employer, is suing the City of Port Alberni over comments made by the mayor regarding the alleged mistreatment of temporary foreign workers. The mayor described the conditions as “disgusting,” which SAN Group claims is defamatory and false. The company contends it provided adequate housing for workers, contrasting reports of inadequate living conditions. This legal dispute highlights ongoing scrutiny and regulatory changes surrounding the Temporary Foreign Worker Program as concerns grow over the treatment of migrant labourers in Canada.
BC Retailer is Held Accountable for Customer’s Costly Injuries
On-site injury results in $900k in damages
A British Columbia Supreme Court has awarded a 37-year-old Smithers woman over $900,000 in damages after she sustained severe injuries from tripping on a pothole at a 7-Eleven parking lot in 2018. The incident led to multiple medical complications and significant lifestyle, including depression and financial difficulties. Although 7-Eleven denied liability, claiming the parking lot was “reasonably safe,” the court ruled in favour of the woman, acknowledging her ongoing health struggles and the impact on her future earnings. The case also revealed that despite 7-Eleven’s BC stores’ efforts to have “employees take an online safety course and complete a questionnaire about workplace hazards when they are hired,” such measures weren’t in place when the incident occurred. Evidence also uncovered that the course is lacking and that employees who fail to take the course don’t face reprimand.
What Do You Think?
What do you think about these updates affecting citizens, employers, and employees across Canada? If you have questions about employment law, estate law, business law, personal injury or harassment laws for our team at Spraggs Law, we’d love to hear from you. Contact one of our lawyers in Vancouver today.
Please note: This article does not contain legal advice. If you would like advice on your specific situation, please contact Spraggs Law.
