Qulliq Energy Corp. faces second lawsuit from former employee

The Qulliq Energy Corporation is back in court this week to respond to another civil lawsuit by a former employee.

Amy Hynes is suing the power utility for $600,000. She was the corporations corporate secretary for most of the time she worked for the corporation from 2003 to 2010.

Hynes testified in court, saying her roles and responsibilities were changed without consultation. She said information was kept from her, and she felt isolated at the corporation.

She said she tried to voice her concerns, but they were not welcome. She called the corporation a poisonous workplace led by president and chief executive officer Peter Mackey.

In December 2009, Hynes' lawyer filed a letter saying she was unhappy and did not want to continue working for the power utility. She was prepared to negotiate a termination package.

Hynes' lawyer says it was constructive dismissal, meaning she left because conditions with the employer were intolerable.

The corporation has rejected all of Hynes allegations. It says she quit without notice in January 2010, and that it was inconvenient to replace her. The corporation has filed a counterclaim for more than $750,000.

Another former employee, Sarah Kucera, issuing the corporation for $440,000. Her trial was in court in Iqaluit last week.