NLIS 1
May 31, 2001
(Justice)

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

The Human Rights Commission released the decision of Adjudicator Valerie Marshall, in which she ruled that Francis Walsh of Calvert was discriminated against by Michael Reddigan of the same community on the basis of physical disability. Ms. Marshall also ordered Michael Reddigan to financially compensate Francis Walsh for the discrimination.

In September 1999, Francis Walsh, who had been employed on Michael Reddigan's shrimp boat, filed a complaint with the Commission against his former employer. Mr. Walsh alleged his employment was terminated by Michael Reddigan after he incurred a back injury at work.

The injury occurred at sea on July 21, 1999. When Mr. Walsh was unable to return to work after two weeks, his employment was terminated.

In her decision dated May 23, 2001, Valerie Marshall ordered Michael Reddigan to pay Francis Walsh the difference between his 1999 income and his 2000 income plus $3,500 for general damages.

Copies of the decision are available from the office of the Human Rights Commission:

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

2001 05 31                                             10:40 a.m.