Yesterday, I wrote about claims regarding Andre Marin’s office supposed racist bullying of his staff. I immediately questioned the veracity of these claims and said that, if one reads between the lines, a different story emerges. Well, the very next day, look at what is reported (the entire STAR story is in the COMMENTS section below):
New Democrat MPP Peter Kormos visited the ombudsman’s offices at Bell Trinity Square over the noon hour yesterday…Kormos noted the complaints are from “just a handful” of staff and none names Marin specifically. “The staff ranged in size, age and colour, from casual to jacket and tie,” added Kormos, alluding to complaints that employees were asked to adhere to a dress code while Marin often wore tie-dye T-shirts and jeans. Contrary to what some staffers alleged, many employees had family and personal photos on their desks and cartoons tacked on bulletin boards, Kormos said.
(TONY BOCK/TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO)
Politicians support Marin while employee discontent continues to grow
Current, former staff call Star and question watchdog’s suitability (David Bruser Staff Reporter, Rob Ferguson Queen’s Park Bureau)
Opposition parties signalled Friday that their support for Ombudsman André Marin getting a second term remains strong.
Meanwhile, characterizations of Marin’s “oppressive” workplace continued to flow into the Toronto Star, with 11 current and former employees calling to question his suitability for the watchdog job.
“He should be judged on the quality of his work,” said Progressive Conservative House leader John Yakabuski, noting that Premier Dalton McGuinty has repeatedly praised the “good job” done by Marin.
“He’s done 21 major investigations and the government has pledged to implement virtually every recommendation.”
Yakabuski’s comments came after a Star investigation found that three former employees and one current staffer say Marin and his trusted managers are petty tyrants with bizarre and strict rules on office etiquette. In letters to government officials and in two complaints to the Human Rights Tribunal, workers allege racial discrimination by the Ombudsman’s Office, which has denied discrimination against employees.
After the story appeared, the Star received calls from people identifying themselves as current or former employees, all requesting anonymity for fear of being fired or other reprisals. A former manager said he could not be identified due to terms of a separation agreement.
“There was an oppressive atmosphere,” said the former manager said, who said unwritten but understood rules discouraged employees from walking the hallway in front of Marin’s office, or placing personal effects on their desks.
He also said “performance management” — a sort of probation status that required workers to attend weekly meetings where managers criticized work performance — pushed about eight workers to take stress leave under Marin’s tenure.
Marin has told the Star the allegations are “absurd” while acknowledging he is a taskmaster who expects the best out of employees.
The Star also received emails and calls from readers who supported Marin. “I would like to see more of the bureaucrats feel afraid of their jobs. There should be more of that,” said Erica Patrick. “I’m proud of him.”
New Democrat MPP Peter Kormos visited the ombudsman’s offices at Bell Trinity Square over the noon hour yesterday.
Marin was not there. Kormos noted the complaints are from “just a handful” of staff and none names Marin specifically. “The staff ranged in size, age and colour, from casual to jacket and tie,” added Kormos, alluding to complaints that employees were asked to adhere to a dress code while Marin often wore tie-dye T-shirts and jeans.
Contrary to what some staffers alleged, many employees had family and personal photos on their desks and cartoons tacked on bulletin boards, Kormos said.
Kormos accused the Liberals, whose government has been soundly criticized in Marin’s reports, of continuing an underground smear campaign. “We want to support the best experienced and most qualified candidate,” Kormos added.
A legislative committee reviewing 50 applications for the ombudsman post meets again Monday to interview two more people. Four, including Marin, have been interviewed already.
It’s expected a recommendation will be made to the Legislature next week before MPPs go home for the summer on Thursday.
Despite recent statements from McGuinty praising Marin’s work, a government source insisted “we are awaiting a recommendation from the all-party selection panel.”
Hmmm…As a critical thinker, I’m always looking for information to contradict my opinions. The more I read about Andre Marin, the more concerned I am about whether his ethics and judgment should be questioned. I still believe that many of the complaints against him were due to his demand that his staff actually WORK for their money.
But now I’m reading more and more that, despite all the good he’s done for the country, his methods may be questionable. I’m still waiting to see what other evidence comes out, but when I read about his giving his mentor “plum contracts” and his causing problems in his previous military posting, I have to be wary…
I haven’t commented on your site for a while because I have been completely overwhelmed with other stuff … and I know you can appreciate “being busy”.
Anyway, I’m just gonna throw some random comments here about Marin. First of all, I find the title of the Star’s article ironic: “Politicians support Marin while employee discontent continues to grow”. Isn’t that typical??
You know, the fact that the issue came to light in the first place, signals that there is indeed a problem. Yet, only a few people came forward. To me, that’s reason enough to probe into Marin’s conduct. But as the title of the article suggests, Marin will probably be spared any “inconvenience” because he is in power.
Here is where I stand: I can appreciate someone within the government (or whatever powerful agency) who will not abuse of his privileges. If that person is in charge, he or she should make sure the staff is productive and efficient. However, it does not imply they have the right to bully them. The way I read the story in the media, is that Marin is going on a power trip, and nothing more.
I’m concerned about the fact that a few people came forward… then more. I’m concerned that Marin will probably avoid any accounting because he’s in power… I’m concerned that PC leader John Yakabuski thinks that Marin “should be judged on the quality of his work”, dismissing completely potential abusive behaviour on his part. I am concerned about who will make the decision on his actions. Will it really be neutral and fair to everyone involved?
Yeah, I know Lily. I’ve been pretty lax as well, due to other commitments–and a number of contributors have told me similar things. But I’m always happy to “hear” from you. Let’s see what happens here. As I’ve said, if Mr. Marin is truly a bully who abuses his power, then I’ll have the same opinion of him as I do of any power-mad bully, regardless of how much good he has done for the country. But I’m really hoping this does not turn out to be the case…