Farmhand negotiates $30,000 settlement for appalling sexual harassment
A farmhand has negotiated a $30,000 settlement after being subjected to appalling sexual harassment by his workmates.
The young man attempted suicide because of the extreme and persistent nature of the bullying and harassment.
Discrimination Claims negotiated the payout in the Anti-Discrimination Commission of Queensland.
Farmhand subjected to appalling sexual harassment
*Nick worked at the farm in North Queensland for two years, experiencing constant taunts and abuse about his perceived sexuality.
For example, his workmates referred to him as “gay” and “faggot” and “poofter”.
In addition, they wrote graffiti on furniture, vehicles and equipment all over the farm saying, “Nick loves boys”.
Furthermore, one colleague changed the wording on Nick’s First Aid kit to read “First Aids Kit”.
He also altered Nick’s First Aid certificate to read “gives good hand jobs”.
Harassment had devastating effect
Miles Heffernan from Discrimination Claims described the harassment as “juvenile”, but at the same time, devastating.
He said it profoundly affected his client – who happens to be married to a woman.
“This young man only wanted to turn up to the farm to do his work, and be left alone,” he said.
“Instead, he found himself the target of the most vicious, cruel, relentless and very public campaign of abuse.
“This was blatant, persistent and unlawful sexual harassment.”
Worker complains to management
Nick complained to management, who responded by telling staff to stop the graffiti, because “it doesn’t look professional”.
At no time did the employer address Nick’s hurt and humiliation.
Workmates called Nick “Titta”, and graffiti started appearing around the farm saying “Titta and Ben take it up the arse”.
The harassment turned into public humiliation when Nick’s colleagues mowed an offensive message into the embankment of a water pond.
“This is not just sexual harassment, this is also public shaming and humiliation as well,” Mr Heffernan said.
The abuse became so bad that Nick attempted suicide.
“You can only imagine the torment and suffering that led him to want to try and kill himself,” Mr Heffernan said.
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Farm owners agree to pay $30,000 compensation
Discrimination Claims subsequently filed a sexual harassment claim in the ADCQ.
During conciliation the farm’s owners agreed to pay Nick $30,000 for hurt and humiliation and also for lost earnings.
*name changed
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