The Human Rights Commission reports that a board of inquiry will commence on Tuesday, November 28 into a complaint filed with the commission against Reddigan Enterprises of Calvert.

Francis Walsh from Calvert filed a complaint with the commission in September 1999, alleging discrimination in employment on the basis of physical disability. In his complaint to the commission, Mr. Walsh says he worked with Michael Reddigan as a seasonal worker on his shrimp boat. Mr. Walsh says he incurred a back injury at work on July 21, 1999, and after two weeks when he was still unable to return to work, he requested papers from his employer for workers compensation. Mr. Walsh, in his complaint, says Mr. Reddigan responded to his request by saying "there is nothing wrong with me and if I did not want to work to take my gear and go." Mr. Walsh alleges his employment was terminated on the basis of a physical disability which is contrary to the provisions of the Human Rights Code.

Mr. Walsh�s complaint was not resolved during the investigation and the commission ordered the appointment of a board of inquiry.

The hearing, which is open to the public, is scheduled to commence at 9:30 a.m. on November 28 at the Best Western Traveller�s Inn, Kenmount Road, St. John�s. Valerie Marshall is the adjudicator for the complaint. Barry Fleming will present the complaint on behalf of the commission.

Media contact:

Gladys Vivian
Executive Director
Human Rights Commission
P. O. Box 8700
St. John�s, Newfoundland
A1B 4J6
Phone: (709) 729-2709
Toll Free: 1-800-563-5808

2000 11 27 4:20 p.m.