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

The Human Rights Commission announces that a Board of Inquiry will commence on Tuesday, October 14, to hear the complaint of Marie Colbourne against the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) and the Department of Justice.

Ms. Colbourne filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission alleging that her employer, the Department of Justice, failed to pay her at a level comparable with a male co-worker during her career as a Correctional Officer II. She alleged that her union condoned the pay differential. The Department of Justice has acknowledged the pay differential and is prepared to consent to an order that will reimburse Ms. Colbourne for lost wages and award her general damages. NAPE has objected to the terms of the Consent Order on the grounds that it will unduly reconfigure the structure of the bargaining unit.

Judy Morrow, a lawyer from Bay Roberts, has been appointed as the Board of Inquiry. The hearing will commence at 9:30 on Tuesday, October 14 at the Hotel St. John�s, 102 Kenmount Road, St. John�s, Newfoundland. The Human Rights Commission is represented by Barry Fleming, the Department of Justice by Tanya Carter and NAPE by Stephanie Newell.

For Further Information Contact

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

2003 10 10                                        9:55 a.m.