Woman's sexual harrassment case against car dealership settled
THE Equality Commission has announced settlements in two sexual harassment cases brought by women working in what have traditionally been seen as male occupations.
Majella Gallen from Coleraine, a manager in a used car business, alleged harassment and less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex and religious belief against her employer, JKC Specialist Cars of Coleraine, which settled the case without an admission of liability and paid Ms. Gallen 15,000.
Coach driver Julie Rutherford, of Magherafelt, brought a case alleging sexual harassment against her former employers, Chambers Coach Hire, who settled the case for 22,500.
In both cases the companies have undertaken to meet with the Equality Commission to review their policies, practices and procedures and ensure that they conform to the requirements of equality law.
Announcing the cases on March 8 - International Women's Day - Evelyn Collins, CBE, Chief Executive of the Equality Commission, said: "While sex discrimination is unfortunately not a thing of the past in Northern Ireland, these cases show that women are increasingly involved in all areas of the workforce, including many previously the preserve of men. Importantly they also show that, if they are faced with outdated attitudes and unacceptable behaviour, this can and will be challenged. "
Majella Gallen (28) claimed that she was subject to unwanted physical contact and to remarks of a religious as well as a sexual nature, and to less favourable treatment in the allocation of a company car.
She said: "I felt ostracised after raising my complaints with management.
"I'm thankful for the Commission's assistance and that the motor industry, where women are still in the minority, is being made aware that equality law applies to them as well.
"I hope my case will stop this from happening to others and will be a source of hope for other women experiencing similar types of harassment."
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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