Workers file wrongful dismissal cases against Ontario hospital after layoffs

Two former employees of an Ontario hospital are pursuing wrongful dismissal lawsuits against the hospital, with both cases demanding substantial damages following recent layoffs.

Since taking on his new role at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), supervisor David Musyj has eliminated more than 59 positions and reassigned 71 others from the Victoria, University and Children's hospital sites.

He said it has resulted in a total of $14 million in savings, according to a CBC report.

Hospital executive seeks $1.5 million in damages

Last week, Brad Campbell, corporate hospital administration executive, filed his lawsuit against LHSC seeking damages of over $1.5 million, according to the CBC.

The hospital hired Campbell in 2022 after he had worked for them as a consultant. He was let go as part of the hospital’s first round of layoffs around Aug. 7, when Musyj began reigning in a $150-million projected budget deficit.

In his lawsuit, Campbell claims that the hospital breached his contract, which guaranteed him 2½ more years of employment. His contract also notes that he cannot be terminated without advance notice or pay in lieu.

Overall, Campbell is seeking: 

• $1.2 million for loss of salary for the 2½ years he had left in his contract
• $282,250 for lost bonuses
• more than $35,000 for lost car allowances 
• approximately $22,000 for no longer having health-care spending and professional development allowances

21-year employee claims wrongful dismissal

Crystal Curry – who was with the hospital for 21 years – also filed a wrongful dismissal case against the employer, according to the same CBC report.

She claims she was not given just cause when the hospital laid her off on Sept. 3. Although LHSC had offered her a confidential severance package, Curry declined, according to the report.

Her claim amounts to about $285,000, which includes her base salary of $142,600, along with additional compensation for the time it will take to resolve the dispute. She also claims she's owed an undetermined amount for her loss of benefits, including dental, health and life insurance.

Curry claims that the hospital should give her the $50,000 that the employer planned to give her to complete her undergraduate university degree. Though did not have one, it's now a prerequisite for a person in her position, according to the report.

She had signed a contract in March with the hospital to begin a program starting next year, reported CBC.

Both claims have not been proven in court and LHSC has not yet submitted a statement of defence for either.

Previously, a group of eight migrant workers from Mexico was awarded a total of more than $23,000 in lost compensation after they won a wrongful termination case they filed against their employer.