Ex-employee claims COVID-19 status not part of employment contract
A former employee has accused pharmaceutical giant Bayer of firing him for refusing to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
According to a report by CBC, the lawsuit claims the Manitoba man was terminated in January “without just cause”, therefore breaching his employment contract. The former worker, who had been with the company for 18 years, was not named for health reasons.
A program manager, the claimant worked from home 100 per cent, both before and during the pandemic. The statement of claim, filed at the Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench in Winnipeg, says his vaccination status for COVID-19 was not among the terms of the employment contract. Bayer introduced its vaccination requirement effective January, 2022.
The claim added that the former worker sought an exemption from the policy but that it was denied. CBC reported that the allegations have not been tested in court and Bayer has not yet filed a statement of defence.
"Bayer is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment including reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection for employees," a company spokesperson said.
"As a life sciences organization, we believe in the effectiveness of vaccines. Vaccination against COVID-19 is a pillar of public health guidance and key to providing a safe working environment for all our employees and those with whom they come into contact."
The lawsuit further alleges the employer failed to compensate the man, and seeks an unspecified amount of money in general damages for wrongful termination. It also seeks aggravated and punitive damages for the manner in which he was dismissed.
