1. On or about December 4, 1978, I began employment with the T. Eaton Company Limited. I worked in various positions however my current position is Sales Associate in the Coats Department.
2.On or about December 29, 1993, I had been assisting a customer for approximately forty-five minutes . The customer decided to purchase a coat. The customer was browsing in the department when a co-worker began assisting her and proceeded to complete the sale of the coat by adding an additional 10% in order to take the customer away from me. I tactfully approached my colleague and stated "Thank you for looking after my customer." My co-worker suddenly walked away and refused to continue dealing with the customer. I completed the sale and proceeded to advise the manager of the Fashion Department, Jose Ferreira, that the commission sale was mine. I was advised by Jose Ferreira that I could be "fired over this incident." Although I was not terminated from employment, I was demoted to another department where the potential to earn commission was reduced to zero and my work hours were also reduced.
3.On or about January 18, 1994, while on vacation, Julie Piazzo, Business Manager, asked me to come in to work as the store was short staffed. I agreed, however, en route to the store I became ill and was subsequently late in arriving for the scheduled shift. Upon arrival the respondent became angry and would not accept my explanation even with the Doctor's note. I was advised by Julie Piazzo, Business Manager, to go home as she was only trying to do me a favor by having me in her department, Casual Connections. To the best of my knowledge other employees have not attended work due to illness and were not treated in the same manner.
4. On or about January 31, 1994, upon returning to work from my vacation I noticed that my hours were reduced to 12.5 - 15 hours per week.
5. On or around February 18, 1994, a customer brought two articles of clothing to the cash register where I was working ... a co-worker was standing on the other side. The customer stated to [my co-worker], the clothing would need to be cleaned prior to her wearing it and requested a discount. [My co-worker] agreed to discount the clothing and advised me to complete the sale and record the discount in the reduction book. I complied and completed the sale.
6. On or around February 24, 1994, I was called to the office of the Business Manager, Julie Piazzo, who requested an explanation regarding the discount recorded on February 18, 1994. I stated that [my co-worker] had advised me of the discount. The respondent advised that I was supposed to consult with the manager regarding discounts. I again stated that the instructions came from my [co-worker]. Julie Piazzo, replied "Notwithstanding this is your handwriting." To the best of my knowledge [my co-worker] was not held accountable.
7. On or around March 04, 1994, I was taken to Human Resources, where I was again questioned by Lizanne Rains about the discount on February 18, 1994. I again stated that if a reprimand was taking place [my co-worker] should also be held accountable. In response, Lizanne Rains stated "Leave Wendy Davis out of this. I'm dealing with you." Lizanne Rains proceeded to terminate my employment.
8. I am a 61 year old black Jamaican woman and I believe my right to equal treatment with respect to employment without discrimination because of my age, race, color, place of origin and ethnic origin have been infringed by the above cited respondents contrary to section 5(1) and 9 of the Human Rights Code R.S.O. 1990, C.H. 19.
Justice delayed is justice denied
(Quoted from Keith Norton, Chief Commissioner at the Ontario Human Rights Commission , in his speech at the Urban Alliance on Race Relations winter social held on December 1, 1996)
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