After her father died of cancer, Stacey Fearnall, a waitress at Nathaniel’s restaurant in Owen Sound, Ontario, decided to shave her head as part of a “Cops for Cancer” charity event. When she attended at work for her shift, her boss advised her to wear a wig or go home. In spite of some public outcry, the restaurant owner continues to defend his position.
CTV.ca reports:
Nathaniels owner and chef Dan Hilliard defended his decision, saying the restaurant has certain standards. He prohibits male staff from wearing earrings and requires employees keep their hair at a reasonable length.Stacey Fearnall’s husband has contacted the Ontario Labour Relations Board who informed her she should file an Ontario Human Rights Complaint.
Fearnall is still on the payroll and she can return to work once she grows her hair back, he said, adding she was offered the summer off to spend time with her kids.
Fearnall, who also works in a plant nursery and as a caterer, told The Owen Sound Sun Times she was shocked by what happened.
"I honestly can't believe this is happening,'' she said. "It's ridiculous that I would be punished for doing a good thing.''
- Annie Noa Kenet, Toronto
Visit our Toronto Law Firm website: www.wiselaw.net
EMPLOYMENT LAW • CIVIL LITIGATION • WILLS AND ESTATES • FAMILY LAW & DIVORCE
ORIGINALLY POSTED AT WISE LAW BLOG • SUBSCRIBE TO WISE LAW BLOG
THat was a cop-out by the OLRB. What is the OHRC supposed to do with this? What is the prohibited ground of discrimination?
ReplyDeleteJust what we need - another Human Rights complaint.
ReplyDeleteShaving her head is something she did of her own volition, and so she should be ready to accept the consequences. If it was a natural condition over which she had no control, then the situation would be different - firing a male waiter for losing his hair to male pattern baldness for example should be challenged. But if an employee decides to paint her face green and go to work, why should that be considered a human rights issue?