Ousted president of B.C. Nurses' Union sues for damages and to get job back
Gayle Duteil denies allegations she verbally abused staff and council members
The former president of the B.C. Nurses' Union is suing to get her job back after she says she was fired amid false allegations of bullying.
Gayle Duteil's statement of claim filed Tuesday in B.C. Supreme Court says she had surgery for breast cancer in May 2017 and weeks later the union's board passed a vote of no confidence in her leadership.
The document says the motion was approved over concerns that Duteil was using alcohol and prescription medication that affected her ability to be president, and there were allegations she verbally abused staff and council members.
The lawsuit says the union launched a confidential investigation into Duteil's actions, but investigators informed her last April that the allegations were largely unsubstantiated.
My statement on legal action launched today against the BCNU. <a href="https://t.co/GFxhi8BmN0">pic.twitter.com/GFxhi8BmN0</a>
—@GayleDuteilDuteil denies the allegations and is seeking damages, as well as reinstatement to the presidency and as a member of the union.
Union CEO Umar Sheikh says it hasn't been served with the lawsuit, but Duteil was invited to go through the union's appeal process.