Grievance Case Summary - G-736

In 2005, following a period of Leave Without Pay (LWOP), the Grievor was transferred from his prior posting to another posting. The cost of his relocation was not covered by the Force. This decision was reviewed in 2012, at which time, the Grievor was informed he was entitled to certain relocation expenses. The Grievor did not have receipts to establish the costs he sought to have reimbursed (the shipment of his House Hold Effects (HHE)) and was denied reimbursement for these expenses.

The Grievor requested costs, including interest. The Level I Adjudicator denied the grievance on its merits, finding that the Respondent's decision to refuse a reimbursement of undocumented relocation costs was consistent with policy and there were no legislative provisions entitling the Grievor to the payment of interest.

The ERC found that the scope of the grievance was limited to the Respondent's 2012 decision requiring receipts to reimburse the Grievor's requested relocation costs and refusing to pay the Grievor interest. Although the Force erred in 2005 by initially denying the Grievor his relocation costs, the grievance was presented in response to the 2012 decision. A review pertaining to the 2005 decision would be untimely. In addition, the ERC found that the Grievor failed to provide sufficient supporting facts of the 2005 decision; and it found that the Grievor's arguments pertaining to unfair treatment in 2005 were not relevant to the grievance.

The ERC found that the Respondent's decision to require receipts or other proof of expenses to reimburse the Grievor for his submitted relocation expenses was within policy. Further, the ERC found there is no statutory authority to support the payment of interest in circumstances similar to the facts of the case.

The ERC recommended that the Commissioner deny the grievance.

The Commissioner's decision, as summarized by her office, is as follows:

The Grievor challenged the Respondent's decision to deny his request for reimbursement of relocation expenses plus interest he incurred when transferring his household effects. The Level I Adjudicator dismissed the grievance. The ERC recommended the grievance be denied on the basis that the Respondent's decision was supported by policy. The Commissioner accepts that the Grievor's request for reimbursement was not substantiated by receipts or other proof as required by the RCMP Integrated Relocation Program. The grievance is denied.