I have no credentials to speak on British or Canadian law but earlier today I had the chance to speak to some one who does: an ex-shop steward from Manchester. He tells me that as recently as 2 years ago the man could have been fired for refusing to meet the requirements of the job. The union would fight it but would almost certainly lose.

To answer the question in more detail, the man is either a guest in a country that has different customs than his or he is a native who has chosen to adhere to standards he knows many would find offensive. Either way, he has shown poor judgment in his choice of work.