2020-01-03
The complainant has strabismus (is ‘cross-eyed’) and was employed by a labour-hire company to work at the respondent insurance company. He alleged a colleague would make fun of him and his disability, mimic him to other staff by crossing her eyes and berate him. He said he raised concerns about this conduct with a manager and was told this was his fault because he was not a good fit for the team. The complainant said he felt he had no choice but to leave the employment before the end of his contract.
On being advised of the complaint, the insurance company indicated a willingness to try to resolve the complaint by conciliation.
The complaint was resolved with an agreement that the insurance company pay the complainant $5,000 as general damages and write to him expressing regret for the events giving rise to the complaint. The insurance company also undertook to review its workplace conduct, anti-discrimination and grievance policies.
Year
Discrimination type
Disability Discrimination Act
Grounds
Disability
Areas
Employment
Compensation
Anti-discrimination/EEO policy reviewed/revised
Statement of regret - private
Amount
$5,000