• Transgender Media

  Qld: Transgender Worker Sacked

  Posted by Adrian on 08/04/2006 at 10:16 am

  http://www.gaynz.com/news/default.asp?dismode=article&artid=3379

  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.

  Australian Council of Trade Unions spokesperson Ian Wilson, has described the case as “a shocking example of what looks like discrimination.”

  “Her employer has been emboldened by the government’s new IR (industrial relations) laws that have removed protections from being sacked unfairly for everyone who works in small and medium-sized businesses,” Wilson said.

  The Australian government of John Howard has removed unfair dismissal laws for small businesses, and victims must now take their case before a federal court.

  “That’s a long and expensive process,” said David Scamell, co-convenor of the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby. “And it’s usually hard to prove you’ve been fired because of your sexuality or gender.” For this reason, Scamell fears Australia’s new industrial relations laws will have a negative impact on the LGBT community.

  Adrian replied 19 years, 2 months ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
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