The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal (BCHRT) has mandated that Best Buy Canada compensate a former employee with over $60,000 for lost wages and damages after determining that the company discriminated against him due to a disability.
Vikas Sharma was fired from his role at a Coquitlam Best Buy in April 2021, shortly after requesting accommodations for a severe knee injury. In a recent BCHRT ruling, tribunal member Amber Prince stated that his injury qualified as a disability, and Best Buy was obligated to provide accommodations under the B.C. Human Rights Code.
Instead of offering Sharma alternative positions, despite his previous exceptional performance, the electronics retailer terminated his employment, with evidence suggesting his knee injury played a role in the decision. Prince highlighted that Best Buy failed to explore reasonable accommodation options before firing Sharma.
Contrary to Best Buy’s claims that Sharma’s dismissal was part of a company-wide restructuring, Prince noted that Sharma actively sought other job opportunities while managing his knee injury. She pointed out that another employee in his location accepted a demotion during the restructuring process.
Sharma, who had been with Best Buy since 2018 and had been acknowledged for his outstanding work during the pandemic, began experiencing knee pain in early 2021. Despite his efforts to secure roles that did not involve prolonged standing, he was ultimately not reassigned and was notified of his job elimination in April 2021.
Feeling let down after his contributions during the pandemic, Sharma expressed a sense of betrayal by the company. Prince emphasized that Best Buy failed to discuss reassignment or transfer options with Sharma, unlike other employees in similar positions who were transferred to new roles or locations.
As per the tribunal’s decision, Best Buy is required to compensate Sharma for lost wages, expenses, and injury to his dignity, totaling nearly $60,000 along with interest. Despite attempts to reach Best Buy for comments, there was no response prior to publication.