Can you be fired for violating an office dress code?

Interview Summary

An employee at a car dealership in Edmonton was let go from her position after two weeks for violating the company’s dress code. Caitlin Bernier’s general manager claims her workplace attire made her male colleagues uncomfortable. Bernier, still on probation in the early days of her employment, has since filed a human rights complaint over the firing.

The case has led many to wonder if the termination is an acceptable response to violating a workplace dress code. Alex Lucifero, an Ottawa employment lawyer and partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, joined CTV Morning Live to address this issue and employment rights for people in this situation.

Interview Notes

• 0:36 – Can you be fired over what you wear to work?
• 1:19 – Can you get severance if you are fired because of your workplace clothing? Alex discusses wrongful dismissal claims and severance for short-service employees
• 1:27 – How does an employee fight a clear case of discrimination in the workplace?
• 2:34 – Did the Edmonton car dealership have grounds to fire the employee over her clothing?