Resolved complaint (197) about victimisation in employment

About the complaint

The complainant worked as a payroll officer with the respondent accounting firm. He alleged his manager sexually harassed him, including by touching, stroking and resting her hand on his shoulder, calling him “young man” and “baby” and “staring him down”. He said he resigned and told his manager that her actions had made him uncomfortable. He alleged the firm victimised him by not paying him a bonus to which he was entitled and questioning his integrity in a letter to him.

The firm denied the allegations but indicated a willingness to try to resolve the complaint by conciliation.

The complaint was resolved by conciliation with an agreement that the firm pay the complainant $25,000 and write to him apologising for the distress he experienced as a result of the events giving rise to the complaint.

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