2018-07-12
The complainant worked as a manager at the respondent hotel. She claimed a director of the hotel sexually harassed her, including by hugging and trying to kiss her, putting his hand under her breast, asking where she bought her sex toys and telling her she was ‘beautiful’ and should ‘use her assets’ to improve business. She also claimed that when she contributed to a business discussion at a work-related social function, the director told her to ‘keep her ideas to herself and allow the men to do the thinking’.
The hotel and its director claimed the complainant had engaged in behaviour of a sexual nature towards others similar to the behaviour being complained about. The hotel also argued the Commission had no jurisdiction to inquire into alleged conduct at the function referred to in the complaint as it was held away from the workplace and outside working hours.
The complaint was resolved. The parties agreed to end the employment relationship and to resolve a related workers’ compensation claim. The hotel agreed to pay the complainant $20,000 ex gratia.
Year
Discrimination type
Sex Discrimination Act
Grounds
Sex
Sexual harassment
Areas
Employment
Compensation
Amount
$20,000