Ron Obirek (photo: RDOS)

Dale Boyd

Osoyoos Times

A contractor is suing the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and one of its directors for allegedly “abusive, harassing and threatening” behaviour by the director while working in the same office space.

Gregory Rose, a public engagement consultant who signed a contract with the RDOS in March of 2019, filed the suit on Dec. 9 which claims Area D (Okanagan Falls/Skaha East) director Ron Obirek “continuously and intentionally intervened with the (Rose’s) work including consultation with the public.”

Obirek said he was unable to comment on specifics of the case prior to the suit heading to court.

“There are rules about these things and the rules are intended to prevent harm to people, so that’s why I’m unable to say more,” Obirek said.

The allegations have yet to be proven in a court of law.

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While sharing an Okanagan Falls office space with Rose, the claim alleges Obirek “maliciously and willfully was verbally abusive, harassing and threatening” to Rose. The claim also alleges Obirek “aggressively suggested (Rose) perform tasks outside the scope and completely unrelated to the contract” which ran from March 1, 2019 to Dec. 31, 2019.

The claim also alleges that the RDOS was “aware of the history of ongoing harassment inflicted upon RDOS staff by (Obirek).”

Rose also states in the claim he asked the RDOS specifically that Obirek not be “present at the Okanagan Falls office during the term of the contract.”

Rose claims in the suit that he received “indirect notice” of the termination of the contract and he is seeking damages for breach of contract and wrongful dismissal. As well, Rose is seeking damages for loss of income, loss of opportunity and psychological damage.

Obirek, a lawyer with 31 years of experience, was elected to his first term as an RDOS director in 2018. Obirek did not respond to a request for comment by press deadline Tuesday.

“The RDOS is still waiting on the statement of claim and will respond appropriately once received,” said  Karla Kozakevich, board director for the RDOS, in an email on Dec. 16.