2021-06-14
The complainant was employed as a trade assistant with the respondent commercial bricklaying company. She alleged co-workers sexually harassed her by making comments of a sexual nature, including that she could swallow a banana whole and they were going to tie her up and take her to a rape dungeon. The complainant said the comments ceased after she made an informal internal complaint. She alleged that some months later, a co-worker distributed nude photos of her which he had taken without her knowledge or consent whilst they were in an intimate relationship. The complainant alleged the company had no policies or procedures in place to prevent or respond to sexual harassment in the workplace. The complainant felt unable to return to work.
On being notified of the complaint, the company indicated a willingness to try to resolve the complaint by conciliation.
The complaint was resolved with an agreement that the company pay the complainant $10,000. The company also undertook to:
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Implement regular training for managers and supervisors on sexual harassment and relevant policies and procedures
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Implement regular training for all staff on sexual harassment and discrimination
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Develop and implement an internal complaints policy and process
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Retain a law firm to review the company’s policies, procedures and training on sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination.
Year
Discrimination type
Sex Discrimination Act
Grounds
Sex
Sexual harassment
Areas
Employment
Compensation
Anti-discrimination/EEO policy developed
Anti-discrimination/EEO policy reviewed/revised
Anti-discrimination/EEO training introduced
Anti-discrimination/EEO training reviewed/revised
Amount
$10,000