Case: Labor Arbitration/Progressive Discipline (Arb.)

Arbitrator George L. Fitzsimmons ruled that Evergy, Inc. had just cause to discipline the grievant for threatening and harassing a co-worker in violation of a Major Rule #12 and a company discrimination, bullying and harassment policy. The grievant confronted an employee in the parking lot over an overtime schedule using abusive language, telling him to “Shut the f—- up”, and threatening to cut his throat and to find him outside of work and “dot his eyes.” Arbitrator Fitzsimmons wasn’t convinced by the grievant’s testimony that this confrontation was just “shop talk.” Due to the severity of the conduct, as well ...