Thompson v Revolution Resource Recovery Inc.

Background:
Margaret Christine Thompson sued Revolution Resource Recovery Inc. in the Supreme Court of British Columbia after her employment was terminated without cause. She worked as a Key Accounts Manager for over three years.

Legal Issues:
The court addressed:

1. Whether cashing a severance cheque released Revolution from liability.
2. The appropriate reasonable notice period for termination.
3. Whether Thompson failed to mitigate her damages.
4. Entitlement to commissions during the notice period.
5. Claims for unpaid bonuses.
6. Entitlement to punitive damages.

Findings and Award:

1. The court ruled that cashing the cheque did not release Revolution from liability, as Thompson had explicitly rejected the severance terms.
2. A five-month reasonable notice period was deemed appropriate after reducing the standard six months for insufficient mitigation efforts.
3. Thompson was awarded $6,399.62 per month for five months in lost commissions.
4. Her claim for unpaid bonuses was dismissed due to lack of evidence.
5. Revolution was found to have acted in bad faith by withholding wages and attempting to pressure Thompson into releasing her claims. This conduct warranted $25,000 in punitive damages.

Disposition:
Margaret Christine Thompson was awarded $56,998.10 in damages (including punitive damages) and costs in the cause as the successful party.