Adjudicator's decision - Dismissed Raelian worker rehired following Syndicat
des Métallos' intervention

GRANBY, QC, Oct. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - A Raelian worker who was dismissed last January for having worn T-shirts bearing the words "Dieu n'existe pas (God does not exist)" - a violation of company policy at Delta Transformers Inc. - will be reinstated following a decision handed down by grievance adjudicator Richard Marcheterre on September 30 .

Marcheterre, an attorney, affirmed that the Raelian worker's rights to freedom of speech and opinion had been interfered with. "The employer's dress code is in breach of the Charter," he wrote in his decision.

"We were convinced that the sanctions were unjustified and that the rule did not hold up. We are happy to see that the adjudicator upheld our position," declared local union head Louis-Philippe Pépin. Jean-François Bergeron, the worker, will resume his job at the Granby-based company in a month's time and be fully compensated for income lost since January. In addition, he will be allowed to continue wearing T-shirts that reflect his views.

The union staffer who filed the grievance has shown delight with the decision. "Our arguments were put forth effectively, demonstrating that company policies do not supersede Quebec's Charter," asserted labour representative Michel Courcy .

The Syndicat des Métallos, part of the FTQ and the largest private-sector union in Quebec , has a membership of more than 60,000 workers in all sectors of the economy (metallurgy, manufacturing, security, the hotel and restaurant industries, trucking, taxis, etc.).

For further information: Michel Courcy, [phone], extension 2222; Clairandrée Cauchy, Information department, [phone]; Source: Syndicat des Métallos (FTQ)