The BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU) is suing its former treasurer for embezzlement of more than $110,000.
In a lawsuit filed in BC Supreme Court Feb. 28, the union alleges Sally Ann Rye, an elected union section treasurer and provincial executive member, misappropriated the money through forged expense claims, forged others’ signatures on expense cheques for deposit to her bank account, forged expense claims for other union members for deposit to her account, used union funds to buy personal items and claimed reimbursement for false claims.
The actions occurred from 2014 to February 2017, the claim said.
“By converting these funds to her own use, the defendant has caused the plaintiff damage, both financial and reputational,” the claim said.
The union became aware of “irregularities” and began to review Rye’s expense claims and subsequently began an investigation.
The union alleges breach of trust, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract and unjust enrichment.
The BCGEU wants the funds ordered returned as well as General, special, aggravated and punitive damages.
In her position, the claim said, Rye was responsible for revenue receipt and fund disbursements.
