Job Termination
Ex prof launches civil suitA former University of Winnipeg physics professor is renewing a legal fight over his old job. DEAN PRITCHARD |
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 [ 2007-08-28 ] |
Ed Tomchuk taught physics at the university for 44 years before he was forced into retirement two years ago.
Tomchuk, 75, lost a court challenge that would have allowed him to continue teaching after a collective agreement came into effect in August 2005 requiring all faculty staff retire by age 69.
Tomchuk has now launched a civil suit accusing the University of Winnipeg Faculty Association of breach of contract and age discrimination. Tomchuk says the collective agreement contravenes the faculty association's constitution, which stipulates members not be discriminated against on the basis of age.
Tomchuk says he would return to the classroom tomorrow if offered the chance, but he's not holding his breath.
"The university is pretty adamant about mandatory retirement," he said yesterday.
Tomchuk is seeking general damages and special damages for lost salary. He has suffered mental distress, loss of dignity and loss of self-esteem since he was forced to retire, the lawsuit alleges.
"The plaintiff received great personal satisfaction from teaching physics to students at the University of Winnipeg," it states. "The plaintiff's employment as a professor was an essential component of his sense of identity, self-worth and emotional well-being."
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