School caretaker suspended for inappropriate comments, poor work

An Ontario school board had just cause to dismiss an employee after complaints of inappropriate comments to a staff member and students, an arbitrator has ruled.

The employee was a relief caretaker for the Niagara District School Board. He was assigned to different schools to fill in wherever there was a vacancy due to vacations, illness or transfers. He was hired in 2000.

In late January 2012, the caretaker was assigned to a particular school for one month. During that time, there were no complaints about the quality of his work or his behaviour. However, in early April, when staff at the school learned he was being considered for another assignment there, complaints were made to his supervisor.