HEFI alleged that the employee was subjected to sexual harassment by the management and was subsequently dismissed from service in April, without being offered a chance for law to take its course.
G R Shivashankhar, president of HEFI said, “We are seeking justice on behalf of P Saraswathi, who had been employed as a masseuse for female clients since 1993 at the hotel’s health club. In 2008, she was asked to offer her services (cross massage) to male clients of the club as well. She then protested the decision taken by the hotel management” said Shivashankhar.
“This has been happening at some of the five star hotels in the City, albeit in a silent manner. This is in blatant violation of laws and is an unfair labour practice. After she (Saraswathi) refused to obey the instruction of the management, she was demoted to the task of a sweeper and subsequently dismissed. The issue was brought before the assistant labour commissioner who then asked the both the parties in the dispute to arrive at a conciliation” added Shivashankar.
HEFI has now sought the intervention of the State government to resolve the issue.
DH News Service
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