SAINT JOHN, N.B. – Irving Oil is defending itself against a $50-million breach of contract lawsuit filed by former president Mayank (Mike) Ashar. Ashar claims he was pushed from his job in 2013 by a "poisoned work environment," spied on after he left and then cheated out of millions of dollars in incentive pay, according to a CBC News report.
He has also claimed $200,000 in punitive damages and a further $50,000 for "invasion of privacy."
Among other allegations, he said Irving Oil kept his company email account active for eight months after he left and read all incoming messages addressed to him without allowing him to do the same. Ashar`s lawsuit calls that an "exceptional invasion of his privacy and "highhanded and vindictive behavior."
None of the allegations have been proven in court, said the report.
Ashar had previously claimed to have left Irving Oil on his own terms in April 2013 after a little more than five years with the company. But in the lawsuit, lawyers for Ashar allege a much nastier parting, saying although he was scheduled to leave the company at the end of 2013, he was effectively dismissed months before that date after unnamed members of the Irving family made his work life unbearable.
"During 2012 and the first few months of 2013 there were many instances of misconduct and inappropriate behavior involving members of the Irving family that created an intolerable and poisoned work environment for Mr. Ashar," stated the claim.
"Mr. Ashar informed Irving Oil in early 2013 that he would be prepared to leave Irving Oil earlier than his scheduled departure date of December 31, 2013, on mutually agreeable terms."
Irving Oil has filed a notice of intent to defend the lawsuit and late last month also filed a "demand for particulars" asking for more details about Ashar's various claims.
“At Irving Oil we understand that our success is directly related to our relationships with our customers as well as with the people who work with us, and we work hard every day to earn their trust and support,” the company said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, we have a former employee who is having a disagreement with our company. We will vigorously defend this action as we have treated this employee fairly and respectfully, and we believe that his claim will be ultimately found to be without merit. As the matter is now before the courts, we are unable to comment further.”
Saint John, New Brunswick-based Irving Oil was founded in 1924 and is a privately owned regional refining and marketing company. It operates Canada’s largest refinery. With more than 900 gas stations and convenience stores, Irving Oil operations from eight distribution terminals and serves wholesale, commercial and retail customers in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and New England.
Click here to view the full CBC report.
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