# 2020-198 Pay and Benefits, Cadet Instructor Cadre, Harassment

Case summary

F&R Date: 2021-11-29

The grievor, a Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) officer, was threatened with physical violence by a colleague. The grievor left the unit that day and did not return. A police investigation and a unit-level disciplinary investigation (ULDI) were carried out subsequently, however neither investigation resulted in charges. The ULDI did, however, recommend administrative action be taken against the grievor's colleague. The grievor was unable to find another position at a cadet unit. He filed a harassment complaint several months after the investigations had concluded.

The complaint was not investigated because the two previous investigations had not resulted in charges and administrative measures had been taken to address the colleague's conduct. No further steps were taken to address the harassment complaint. The Initial Authority (IA) determined that the grievor was not entitled to compensation for lost wages, but if “qualified and available”, may serve at another cadet unit going forward. The IA also found that the grievor continued to earn time in rank despite not working at a cadet unit. The IA concluded that the harassment complaint process would be reviewed and updated if required.

The Committee found that, even though a harassment investigation was not required in the circumstances, the responsible officer (RO) failed to live up to his responsibilities to address the complaint. The RO was aware that the grievor had left his unit because of his colleague's threats and had been unable to find a position at another cadet unit. The RO's reaction to the grievor's circumstances was essentially one of indifference. The Committee recommended that the grievor's chain of command ensure that the grievor be provided an opportunity to work as a CIC officer for the next two years.