Human Rights Commission calls for answers over handling of CERA harassment case

EEO Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue is deeply concerned about the way in which the State Services Commission has handled sexual allegations made against CERA chief executive Roger Sutton this week and is calling for answers.

“My main concern is the woman at the centre of these allegations and anyone else in the public sector who believes they are being sexually harassed and who want to make a complaint,” said Dr Blue.

“I have contacted State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie expressing my concerns and seeking an explanation. I do not understand why the confidential complaint and mediation processes in the Employment Relations Act or Human Rights Act were not used.”

Dr Blue says there has been a confidential settlement and the full facts of the case are not in the public arena however media statements made by various parties have put this in the public domain: without the voice of the complainant.

“The commission received 235 sexual harassment complaints over the past four years to June 2014: 87 per cent from women. I am already concerned that sexual harassment is under-reported and that publicity around this case could have a chilling effect on other alleged victims of sexual harassment speaking up,” said Dr Blue.

“Sexual harassment is covered under the Human Rights Act. Anyone who feels they have been harassed can and should contact the Human Rights Commission and make a complaint. Mediation is free, confidential and generally very successful.”

“New Zealand leaders and decision makers charged with the honour and responsibility of leading our government departments need to always be asking how they can do better when it comes to treating employees with respect and dignity. These are fundamental human rights,” said Dr Blue.

Letter_to_Iain_Rennie_from_Jackie_Blue__19_Nov_2014.pdf

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