Fast-food worker awarded record payout after sexual discrimination case

ABC NEWS (Australia)

A young fast-food worker has been awarded a record payout in a sexual discrimination case. The landmark decision takes into account the victim's vulnerability and sends a warning to employers nationwide.

Transcript

00:00Nepalese student Baplavi Magar ignored the sexist comments for months while working at a Mexican food chain in Sydney's northwest.

00:11I just wanted to keep my head down.

00:13But her work life deteriorated, forced to watch explicit videos and adult toy demonstrations in her boss's car.

00:21He showed each and every toy and like how to use it and like brushed it against my thighs.

00:28Throughout the time I was saying no as much as I could.

00:32My mind was like begging with time like just fast forward it.

00:36The then 22 year old eventually collapsed unable to function.

00:40It was really scary to go outside.

00:43It gave me severe like social anxiety.

00:46It felt as if like everybody was sexualizing me.

00:49With the help of a social worker and lawyer, Baplavi documented her story

00:54and filed a sexual harassment claim in the federal court.

00:58She's spoken publicly for the first time.

01:01It wasn't just about the justice like in the fairy tales, but it was about accountability.

01:08Baplavi's case is the highest award of damages that we've seen in a federal sexual harassment claim in Australia ever.

01:16The case is one of the first to involve new sex based harassment provisions

01:20that came into effect following the landmark respect at work report three years ago.

01:25It also takes into account the victim's young age and migrant status.

01:30It really is a stand up and take notice for employers from the courts.

01:35The respondent is no longer a MadMex franchisee, has denied the allegations and is considering an appeal.

01:42I mean they really…

01:43I don't know if they can, I like communicate in a way to get into account.

01:45It's just about how they can get into account the quarterback.

01:47I think it's home or no one of them.

01:48I just think a lot of people are really good to know.

01:50I'm really…

01:51I'ts but…

01:52I've been saying a lot of people…

01:53I really…

01:54like…

01:55I enjoy real-time…

01:56I know…

01:57I'm saying like…

01:58I really…

01:59I don't like…

02:00I drink this…

02:01I do a lot of food…

02:02…

02:03I don't like…

02:04I mean…

02:06I'm really…

02:07I really…

02:08…

02:09I'm like…

Category

Transcript

Be the first to comment

Recommended