Tribunal rules against N.L. woman at centre of Scottish harassment scandal

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — The family of a Newfoundland-born woman who alleges she suffered a decade of harassment at her civil service office in Scotland — including once being taped to a chair — say they are disappointed a tribunal has ruled against her claim.

The BBC reports the Scottish Employment Tribunal ruled against DeeAnn Fitzpatrick’s complaints of a racist and misogynistic workplace culture.

A statement from her family says they are “hugely disappointed” by the result, although they are not surprised, given a judge had decided some evidence would not be allowed.

The family says the tribunal did however highlight that the human resources department could have been more proactive in dealing with the matter by launching an investigation, questioning staff and reminding staff that such matters might be regarded as grounds for disciplinary action.

Fitzpatrick, a fisheries officer originally from Bell Island, N.L., claims co-workers mocked her for having a miscarriage, used racist language, and threatened female staff members.

A photo published by the BBC in May showed Fitzpatrick taped to a chair with tape over her mouth — an incident she claims was a response from two male co-workers at Marine Scotland’s office in Scrabster for “(speaking) out against the boys.”