Summary of Issue: Long Distance Phone Calls

Decision 40938 Full Text of Decision 40938

Claimant lost his employment as a pastor because contrary to church ploicy he had been charging long distance telephone calls to a church number. As well, there was the issue as to where these calls were made. Umpire found that there was a breach of trust involved and this was caused by the claimant's own misconduct.

Decision A-0152.96 Full Text of Decision A-0152.96

Claimant fired after five years for using the office phone to make long distance personal phone calls. She admitted making the calls and promised to reimburse the employer. The employer first accepted her explanation but laid her off three weeks later and subsequently modified the reason for separation to misconduct. Citing Secours (A-352-94), Joseph (A-636-85) and Davlut (A-241-82), the umpire was of the view that the employer merely used the incident as an excuse for firing the claimant and returned the case back for rehearing by a new BOR. The FCA refused to interfere.

Decision 27984 Full Text of Decision 27984

Held that the majority of the Board was correct in concluding that misuse of the telephone (use of company telephone for personal long distance calls without approval of the company) is misconduct. It is regrettable that he feels he did not receive the same treatment as others who acted similarly.

Decision 12786 Full Text of Decision 12786

Public servants who make long distance personal calls ought to use their personal, home or pay telephones. Misconduct of colleagues does not absolve him of his misconduct. Disqualification reduced to one week due to unequal treatment.