Canadian teacher fights for her right to workplace accommodations

Posted on Jan 07, 2010 by Susie Collins in Blog, Disability Rights, MCS, Worker's Rights

“The battles for those of us with disabilities, and especially for those of us with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, are huge.”

Elaine Willis reports on her blog about Arbitration: Final Day… just waiting for a decision. Elaine has been in a lawsuit for years about workplace accommodations: SCHOOL DISTRICT 36 vs BC TEACHERS’ FEDERATION, ELAINE WILLIS, DUTY TO ACCOMMODATE, which will set precedent in Canadian arbitration law.

The battles for those of us with disabilities, and especially for those of us with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, are huge. There are many false beliefs about our abilities and the nature of our disabilities. The truth remains that we are people, to be treated as all people, with dignity, equality and respect. We are not to be shut away in our homes as society continues to demand of us.

Education is enlightenment. I WILL CONTINUE TO BE A TEACHER! This process may enable me to do so for a living as well!

Here’s the statement Elaine read in court during the second day of arbitration back in August: I AM a teacher.

Brava, Elaine, for your warrior spirit and sense of what’s right! We are proud to have you as one of the flock.

Photo used with Elaine’s permission.

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Tags: Law, MCS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Policy, Work

6 Responses to “Canadian teacher fights for her right to workplace accommodations”

jacki

08. Jan, 2010

I gave it my best “fight” with my prior employer (HOSPITAL) I sued them..civil rights…I worked hard at trying to have them change their toxic ways. I educated them on MCS on safer greener products..
it all landed on deaf ears..I am unemployed, no income, no disibility, no unemployment $$…no issurance..so after 15 yrs of being a very good productive employee ..I am jobless, I could not pursue the legal system with court room in public buildings, I was getting to ill..
it ended with a decision to be well and $$ less or fight be sick with chemical induced asthma and pneumonia and “maybe” some $$..to me my “health” was more important then to keep swiming up stream..
I finally gave in..to try to move on..
sending you much love & strength…prayers for a great outcome…I am a RN..yet I am jobless..sorta ironic isnt it???? xoxoxo jj
I find you BRAVE, honest, and true to yourself I say YOU GO GIRL!!!

Reply to this comment
Donovan Banerjee

08. Jan, 2010

YOU GO ELAINE! This is just the kind of work that will keep us working! Many of us have shared similar struggles and I truly hope you will help to set precedent for so many to follow. The courage this takes is enormous, but those with MCS have a right to be able to earn a living. STAY STRONG – I BELIEVE IN YOU!

Reply to this comment
Jeanne

08. Jan, 2010

Susie:

Thank you for bringing amazing stories to this site as always!

Elaine:

The energy and strength it takes to fight such a case is enormous! It is wonderful that you stuck with it and fought for your rights. In the process, may it help many others as well. Well done!!

~~

Jeanne

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Susie Collins

09. Jan, 2010

Aloha Jacki, I always feel so sad when I hear your story. Nurses are getting the short end of the stick when it comes to a safe work place, and the added injury of your employer not providing a safety net after your chemical injury is a case of injustice. That you have created a new life for yourself despite these offenses is a testament to your strong spirit and resilient body– you are an inspiration to us all.

Aloha Donovan, I love that you recognize Elaine’s courage in this case– it’s really brutal to go through a legal process like this. The potential of others benefiting from her experience makes it a noble cause indeed.

Thanks, Jeanne! Your energy and strength are formidable, too! I have always loved the tagline on your emails:

“Well-behaved women seldom make history” ~~ Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

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Elaine

09. Jan, 2010

Thanks for your encouraging words. Knowing that WE are all in this together makes it all so much more palatable.

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Susie Collins

10. Jan, 2010

Aloha Elaine, I really believe that, too: Together, we are stronger! Thank you for all your hard work, fighting for what’s right and making a difference. Mahalo nui, Susie

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