Backers hail sex worker’s compo
Prostitute will be feeling vindicated after payout for harassment at work — official
Asex worker awarded a sixfigure payout after being sexually harassed at work is feeling vindicated, say those who lobbied for her. Despite much of the case being subject to a confidentiality deal, the Office of Human Rights Proceedings has revealed a substantial settlement has been reached between a business owner and a sex worker.
The money is to compensate the
woman for emotional harm and lost earnings. Human rights proceedings director Michael Timmins said the payout was “substantial” and he hoped it would serve as a benchmark for future cases.
Sex rights activist and national coordinator of the New Zealand Prostitutes Collective Dame Catherine Healy is calling it a “milestone” case and a warning to brothel operators to be “very aware” of upholding labour rights.
Timmins said that in taking a civil case the worker was very courageous and was pleased with the outcome.
“The complainant was incredibly brave. It’s often difficult for sex workers to stand up for their rights but in this case the sex worker did, which is exceptionally important.
“The sex worker would say she felt vindicated and I hope [she] feels a sense of achievement because it was the bravery and persistence of that person to engage in a system that isn’t easy for complainants and yet that person was still able to achieve some justice.”
He said the settlement served as an important reminder to businesses that under the Human Rights Act all workers, regardless of what work they do, had a right to do their job without sexual harassment at work.
“We encourage all business owners and employers to ensure that they understand and respect those rights.”
He said anyone who felt they’ve been sexually harassed to consider taking a complaint to the Human Rights Commission.
But he also hoped businesses would take “a real strong look” at their cultures and ensure policies and training were up to date and not treated as a box-ticking exercise.
Healy said the case amplified the need for anyone who operated a brothel or was in a role working with sex workers to run an audit through practice ensuring labour rights were being upheld and there wasn’t sexual harassment in the workplace.
The sex worker had initially filed sexual harassment proceedings in the Human Rights Commission but because the matter was unresolved she turned to the Office of the Human Rights Proceedings to take the case to the Human Rights Tribunal. Before the case was heard a deal was struck.
Timmins said the office had more sexual harassment cases awaiting hearings, but none for sex workers.