Sexual Harassment Found Even Though No Criminal Charges
As we have previously reported, employees may recover substantial damages from sexual harassment in the workplace.
In a recent decision, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (“the Tribunal”) awarded damages to an employee who was sexually harassed in a Barrie restaurant even though the criminal investigation lead to no charges.
The Case
In ., the employee was a server at a Barrie Restaurant. She worked there for a year before there was a change in ownership.
The employee told the Tribunal that while working, Mr. Rajneesh Dutta, a new co-owner, made numerous inappropriate comments towards her. He touched and groped her in an unwanted sexual manner. He was intoxicated.
A criminal investigation was initiated but the police found that there was not enough evidence to charge Mr. Dutta.
Following the event, the employee was so distraught that she sought medical help and was not able to return to work.
Although Mr. Dutta denied that the allegations, the Tribunal found that the employee was much more credible than the Mr. Dutta.
The Tribunal awarded the employee $20,000 in general damages for injury to her dignity and self-respect and $9,440.51 for loss of wages, including tips, due to the human rights violation.
Lessons from the Case
This is another incident of workplace sexual harassment in the service industry. Employees should be aware of their rights that they can be awarded damages for sexual harassment even if charges or a conviction do not occur. Hearings at the Tribunal require a lesser standard of proof for a claim to be made out, as it was in this case.
Moreover, employees can recover any lost wages, including tips, that they could have made if they left their employment as a result of a violation of the Code.
If you would like to speak with an experienced lawyer at MacLeod Law Firm about sexual harassment or other human rights issues, please contact us at [email protected] or 647-204-8107.
The material and information in this blog and this website are for general information only. They should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. The authors make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of any information referred to in this blog or its links. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found on this website or blog. Readers should obtain appropriate professional advice from a lawyer duly licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. These materials do not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any of the authors or the MacLeod Law Firm.
Recent Posts
Recent Posts
Justice for Unionized Employees
Unionized employees often seek our advice regarding human rights issues in their workplace. Sometimes this is because human rights violations have occurred and the union is not assisting them. Other times, the union itself may be part of the problem. The rights of...
Employee Entitlements Upon Termination
Termination is a stressful experience for any employee. An employee who has been fired needs to understand what their employer owes them, and what their employer is offering them. When employers do not make this clear, additional damages could be due to the employee....
Notice of Termination: Appeal Court Weighs in
When terminated, an employee should generally receive reasonable notice of termination or pay instead of notice. This is unless the employee has signed a contract that contains an enforceable termination clause (which we’ve written about here). The calculation of the...