"It seems pretty darn important that the employer learn that they can't discipline an employee for no reason," said Thom Bartleman, CRA Rulings Officer.
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CRA Defends Workplace Policy
The Canada Revenue Agency maintained that Bartleman violated strict workplace protocols by connecting unauthorized personal equipment to federal property and inviting other staff members into the boardroom to view the broadcast.
"The grievor admitted that he brought the antenna into the boardroom and that he attached it to CRA equipment, i.e., the television, without prior authorization.
He admitted that it was for the purpose of watching the game. He admitted that it was not for any CRA purpose.
He acknowledged advising his colleagues that the game was available to be watched in the boardroom," argued the Canada Revenue Agency.
Agency officials reiterated that federal employees are expected to maintain uninterrupted public service and cannot watch sporting events while on duty without utilizing pre-approved leave options.
"We know major moments like the World Cup can bring Canadians together, and it's something many employees enjoy following.
However, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not have a policy that allows employees to watch sporting events while working," wrote Sylvie Branch, CRA Spokesperson.
The agency emphasized that any staff members wishing to follow external events must coordinate scheduling with their direct supervisors.
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"Employees who wish to take time to watch events during working hours would need to use leave options available to them, where operationally feasible and approved by management," wrote Sylvie Branch, CRA Spokesperson.
