Occupy supporter said he was fired for protesting
Calgary man plans to launch legal action after losing his job
CBC News
Posted: Nov 9, 2011 8:05 PM MT
Last Updated: Nov 9, 2011 7:55 PM MT
Although his former boss denies it, Marcus Arseneault said he received this letter informing him he was fired for being part of the Occupy Calgary protest. A supporter of Occupy Calgary claims he was fired because of his involvement with the protest.
Marcus Arseneault says he was working at a coffee shop at Mount Royal University until he received an email from his employer.
“It is with sincere regret that I must inform you that your employment with Sodexo as a Coffee Barista will be terminated immediately,” stated the email, which left Arseneault in shock.
“We cannot have your involvement reflect the company in any way, shape or form.”
The email even states Arseneault was not fired because the company was unhappy with his performance, saying “you have been a wonderful contribution to the Sodexo team unfortunately due to your involvement in Occupy Calgary we do have to let you go.”
“I was a good worker,” he said. “I showed up, I did my job exceeding standards. Customers were always praising me.”
What confuses Arsenault is how his former employer knew that he was a supporter of Occupy Calgary.
He says he never talked about the protest while working.
Arseneault did say he was running technical support for the protesters who attended a City Hall meeting Monday by holding a mic for a cameraman, which led to his picture being shown in the media.
Arseneault's former boss Elric Nielsen denies that he sent out any email stating that he was being let go because of his Occupy Calgary involvement, but did confirm Arseneault was let go.
Officials with Sodexo were unavailable for comment.
Arseneault is considering legal action and plans to contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
He said he was only employed for six weeks, so still under probation, but was not taking time out of work to protest.
Arseneault said he got involved because he is concerned about income inequality. While he took part in all the demonstrations, he did not camp with other protesters who pitched tents at two downtown locations.
Share Tools
Latest Calgary News Headlines
- European Union to vote on oilsands ranking
- European Union officials are set to vote on draft legislation that would classify oilsands crude as more harmful to the environment than other fuels — a proposal that Canada plans to fight. more »
- Graham James apologizes to sex-abuse victims
- Graham James, the former junior hockey coach and convicted sexual abuser whose victims included ex-NHLers Theoren Fleury and Sheldon Kennedy, has told a courtroom: "For my behaviour, I am deeply sorry.… Parents expected sons to be safe; not all were." more »
- Missing man might be crime victim, police say
- Calgary police say a 24-year-old man who has been missing for more than two weeks could be the victim of foul play. more »
- Calgary's green cart project to launch next month
- Starting on March 5, roughly 7,500 homes in the four communities of Abbeydale, Brentwood, Cougar Ridge and Southwood will be able to use green carts for organic household and yard waste. more »
Top News Headlines
- Graham James apologizes to sex-abuse victims
- Graham James, the former junior hockey coach and convicted sexual abuser whose victims included ex-NHLers Theoren Fleury and Sheldon Kennedy, has told a courtroom: "For my behaviour, I am deeply sorry.… Parents expected sons to be safe; not all were."
more »
- Target set to alter Canadian retail landscape
- The buzz surrounding Target Corporation's move into Canada could quickly turn into a backlash if the U.S. retailing giant can't deliver quality goods at prices similar to what it charges south of the border, experts say. more »
- U.S. base in Afghanistan attacked over Qur'an burning
- Afghan police are firing shots into the air to disperse hundreds of protesters who are trying to break into an American military base to vent their anger over the Qur'an burning incident. more »
- European Union to vote on oilsands ranking
- European Union officials are set to vote on draft legislation that would classify oilsands crude as more harmful to the environment than other fuels — a proposal that Canada plans to fight. more »
- Brian Stewart: A national security strategy for dangerous times
- With the world in so much turmoil, Ottawa needs to become more creative in assessing what really counts for Canada's security and economic well-being, writes Brian Stewart. more »
- Garbage blamed as 145 bears shot in Alberta's north
- Missing man might be crime victim, police say
- Meteor's fireball lights up Prairie skies
- Changes coming for Calgary LRT parking
- Alberta doctors bullied by bosses, panel finds
- Calgary's green cart project to launch next month
- Mexican beating victim released from Calgary hospital
- Border services seize 75 guns in Alberta
- Calgary musician Chris Reimer dies in sleep

