Released on August 19, 1997
Donna Scott, Chief Commissioner/Director of the Saskatchewan HumanRights Commission, today announced that Remai Investment Corporation
paid $6,500 in compensation to former employee Brian Reed, after
removing him from his position because his wife worked for a
competitor. Remai Investment Corporation agreed to the settlement
without admission of liability.
Remai Investment Corporation, owner of the Radisson Hotel, agreed to
settle the human rights complaint brought against it by Reed, who had
worked at the hotel for 10 years, with five years as Rooms Division
Manager.
The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination on the
basis of marital status.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Remai Investment
Corporation also agreed to provide Reed with a letter of apology and
to establish a personnel policy with respect to discrimination on the
basis of marital status.
Remai Investment Corporation acknowledged it removed Reed from his
position when the Delta Bessborough hired his wife, Dawna Bell-Reed,
as Convention Sales Manager. The corporation argued that it was a
conflict of interest for Reed to be in possession of confidential
information which could be relayed to his spouse and could put the
Radisson at a financial disadvantage. Scott said the Commission was
not satisfied there was a conflict of interest.
The corporation offered Reed alternate employment at another
hotel owned by the corporation, but Reed rejected the offer,
saying it was not comparable to the position he was forced to
leave.
Scott commended the Remai Investment Corporation for its handling
of the complaint. "They co-operated fully with the investigation
and readily implemented a policy to prevent future problems."
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For more information, contact:
The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
Donna Scott
Chief Commissioner/Director
Saskatoon
Phone: (306)933-5952
Donalda Ford
Assistant Director
Regina
Phone: (306)787-2530