The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission:

The Human Rights Commission reports that a board of inquiry will commence on Tuesday, November 4, into complaints filed with the commission against the Department of Justice and Newfoundland Association of Public Employees.

Four complaints were filed with the commission in February 1996 by Catherine Parrell of Mount Pearl, Stella Williams of Pouch Cove, Betty Power of Flatrock and Ruby Murphy of Mount Pearl. All complainants, employees at Her Majesty's Penitentiary City Lockup, who are classified as jailers, allege their duties and on the job training are comparable to that of male correctional officers but they receive a lower rate of pay for their work. The complaints which were signed on February 28, 1996 allege discrimination in employment on the basis of sex contrary to Section 9 of the Human Rights Code and discrimination in pay against females performing the same or similar work as males contrary to Section 11 of the Code.

The adjudicator for the complaint is Kelvin L. Parsons of Port aux Basques. Barry Fleming will present the case on behalf of the Human Rights Commission.

The hearing which is open to the public will commence at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4 on the 3rd floor of the Beothuck Building in the Labour Relations Board Room.

Contact:

Gladys Vivian,
Executive Director
Human Rights Commission
P.O.Box 8700
St. John's, Newfoundland A1B 4J6
(709) 729-2709, toll-free 1-800-563-5808