A Manitoba woman has received the highest award ever handed down by the Manitoba Human Rights Commission after her former employer failed to take sufficient steps to stop a customer from sexually harassing her.
Emily Garland was awarded $7,750 after a frequent customer allegedly made inappropriate jokes, touched her and talked about rape. Garland worked at Grape and Grain from January 2009 until May 2010, when she was fired.
Garland testified that her employer didn’t make enough of an effort to make sure she felt safe, even after she complained.
Adjudicator Robert Dawson referred to harassment as a “grievous indignity” in his decision. Garland was awarded the money as compensation for damages to her dignity, feelings and self respect.
Joan Braun, MHRC executive director, said in a press release the decision shows that employers have a duty to protect their employees from harassment from customers.
In addition to paying the money to Garland, her employer must also complete a workshop on harassment in the workplace within one year and provide every new and future employee the business policy on harassment in the workplace.
