Description: An arbitrator has struck down an Ottawa hospital policy that forced employees to cover up tattoos and piercings.

Source: The Ottawa Citizen

Date: 01/18/2013

Link: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/fashion-beauty/Tattoos+piercings+Ottawa+Hospital+staff+arbitrator+rules/7839060/story.html

Related links:

• Earlier story
• Arbitrator Lorne Slotnick’s decision (pdf)
• Prof. David Doorey’s blog
• The Ottawa Hospital
• Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 4000

Questions for discussion:

• Summarize the hospital’s dress code.
• What was the hospital’s argument in favour of covering up tattoos and piercings?
• What did the union argue?
• What does the collective agreement say about this issue?
• Do you agree with this decision? Why or why not?