THUNDER BAY – At least one former manager at the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society has filed a complaint with the Ontario Labour Relations Board over her termination by the organization.
Robin Ratz, who joined the humane society as a shelter manager last December, earlier this week filed the complaint alleging her dismissal last month was a reprisal for bringing more than 50 issues relating to workplace health and safety and animal welfare to the board.
“Some of these issues have certainly existed for a while but I wanted to make sure they were addressed. Shortly after pressing the issue I was terminated without cause,” she said in a statement issued by her lawyer. “They told me it was because the position was being deleted. I think it’s because they didn’t want to deal with me trying to make the shelter safer for its employees and animals.”
The labour relations board complaint filing includes the termination letter she received from the board nearly three weeks ago, explaining the position was being eliminated to hire an executive director. The filing claims Ratz had been serving as an interim executive director after Cassandra Nordal was removed from the position earlier this year.
Nordal on Friday said she was terminated without cause in February after being employed for nearly two years.
“I just think there obviously needs to be changes made. It’s really sad. It’s not the first time these things have come up and have happened over the last few years. I know this has been going on for quite some time,” Nordal said.
The filing also included an email from a board member sent to the organization’s human resources committee, expressing concern about board members’ involvement in the day-to-day operations of the shelter.
Mike Maher, the lawyer representing Ratz, claimed several members of the humane society’s board have resigned within the last few weeks.
A statement provided by board member and past president Jack Remus on behalf of the board denied the allegations and said there have been changes in leadership.
“The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society is committed to the health and safety of its employees and volunteers as well as the animals it is entrusted to protect. Recently, public allegations were raised by a former employee that the TBDHS has fallen short of its health and safety obligations,” the statement reads.
“The TBDHS denies these allegations and will respond fully to any proceedings that may be commenced before the Ontario Labour Relations Board. The TBDHS has undergone a change of leadership both in its governing board and its management and administration, and is continually working toward improving the service it delivers to the city of Thunder Bay and surrounding area.”
Board chair Brenda Everts has resigned from the position, according to a post made on her personal Facebook page.
