The labour inspectorate refused to allow French boss Jean-François Marteau the right to fire his employee for serious misconduct, so Mr. Marteau launched a hunger strike to protest the decision.
Jean-François Marteau—CEO of a French framing and roofing company—had fired one of his employees charged with the theft of more than CAD $65,000 in merchandise. But according to the labour inspectorate, the facts were not sufficiently serious to justify a dismissal. It refused the measure, and forced Mr. Marteau to reinstate the dishonest employee.
On November 8, Mr. Marteau launched a hunger strike to protest the decision and defend his rights. He also appealed to the department of labour and received the support of his employees, who blocked the region’s main highway and staged a work stoppage until the labour inspectorate reversed its decision. It was only after 16 days that the labour minister finally ruled in his favour, authorizing Mr. Marteau to proceed with the dismissal of the undesirable employee.