Skip to content

Former employee suing Penticton Minor Hockey Association

Palmira Anderson claims PMHA fired her without just cause after “unilaterally’ changing contract
18745213_web1_Hockey

A former employee with the Penticton Minor Hockey Association (PMHA) is suing the association for wages she lost when her contract was terminated after PMHA allegedly changed the employment conditions to no longer let her work from home.

READ MORE: Similkameen orchardists file lawsuit over ancestral remains site

According to the notice of claim filed on Sept. 23, Palmira Anderson, who had been employed with the association since 2007 as an administrator, entered into a written contract with the PMHA from 2017 to 2020.

The contract stated she could have flexible working hours to allow her to “engage in alternate employment operating a home daycare and that she could perform her work duties from her home,” it reads.

But at a later date, on Nov. 26, 2018, the lawsuit claims the PMHA told her in a letter it was “unilaterally” changing the conditions of her employment, which meant Anderson would have to work “specific hours on specific days and to perform those duties in the office.”

“The letter concluded that failure to sign and return a copy of the letter or a letter of resignation by December 15, 2017, would constitute immediate resignation from the position,” the document reads.

READ MORE: Penticton massage therapist accused of sexual misconduct

In the lawsuit, which was filed in small claims court, Anderson said she lost $38,000 in wages, which were owed to her under the contract. As well, by changing the agreed terms of her employment, she was wrongfully terminated without just cause. She is asking for $35,000 in compensation.

The lawsuit also claims Anderson has taken steps to seek alternative, similar employment but has not been successful to date. It adds she has “sustained earnings and other losses.”

The Penticton legal firm Boyle & Co., who represents the PMHA, said they have not yet been served with the lawsuit and cannot comment.

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

<>