a step backward.
http://www.gaynz.com/news/default.asp?dismode=article&artid=3379
"Qld: Transgender Worker Sacked
A transgender woman believes she is the victim of Australia's tough new workplace laws. Louise Brandish had worked for Boettcher Motors in Ipswich, Queensland for nine and a half years before undergoing her transition to a woman.
She claims her workmates did not have a problem with the change, but management suggested she find another job. When she refused, she was demoted and faced a pay-cut, Brandish alleges. Then on Monday this week, her employment was terminated. "
Hi KateAlice
Yes a definite step backwards, for everyone. This puts people working for anything less than a big corp in a very vulnerable position. Who has the cash to go thorugh a discrimination suit, that will probably take years to fight. People/business just seem so afraid don't they? Not thinking that this person who has worked for them for 9 years, and probably has done a terrific job.
On my other group we did get into a "very heated" discussion about human rights issues and I was (very) surprised at some of the comments made and just how intolerant people can be, considering it was a support group. I mean if you have people on a "support group" spouting crap then this is a very big brick wall that has to be torn down.
People say this kind of stuff ties up courts for so long and sometimes the incidents can be small and minor, but when it comes to issues like LGBT, then I think we are entitled to at least an investigation and then let the results of the investigation be reported to an "agency" who can make an appropriate decision. Am I being naive - perhaps....
Hi Gill
a related link
http://ssonet.com.au/display.asp?ArticleID=5241
I hope that Louise would be able to find a job at a competor dealership and start selling cars again. The real test will be the number of cars she can sell.
It is likely that any court action will only suck cash from her purse.
Kate
Hi KateAlice
Thanks for the link - I too hope that Louise will be able to secure another job very soon. Sometimes, things/events have silver linings. Let's hope this one does for both of you. Women mechanics, women car sales persons, can only mean good things I feel. Market that.....women just trust other women regarding their cars. I know at least I do.
All the best to both of you. Let us know how things are going.
Gill