Ahh, so classic and stereotypical…
Two builders (construction workers) in the UK were suspended from work for harassing a woman walking by their work site at Fish Hill Square. The woman felt so uncomfortable, she told her husband how she didn’t want to walk past there again. That led him to write a complaint to the construction company.
This part is less stereotypical and very laudable on the part of the company: the men were identified and taken off the job for a few days.
Via the Daily Mail Online:
“They will now be allowed back after their accuser decided not to take matters further, although they are still facing a ‘discussion’ with bosses today. Maylim yesterday insisted sexist behaviour was ‘terrible for the company image’ and it was taking the allegations seriously.
Managing director Thomas O’Mahony said: ‘We acted within half-an-hour of being alerted to the complaint. It’s company policy to immediately suspend anyone who is made the subject of a complaint by the public.
‘We don’t tolerate wolf-whistling or any form of sexual harassment. It’s unacceptable – we are in the public eye and our image is important.
‘The two men are in their mid-20s and they have been invited in for a discussion. They denied the allegations and were frustrated to be off work. Now we know that the complainant doesn’t want to take this further the men will be allowed to go back to work.’”
“Hairdresser Jane Westley said: ‘I don’t think wolf-whistling’s too much of an issue. If I got wolf-whistled I think I’d find it a compliment. It’s just what builders do.’
Another woman, who asked not to be named, said: ‘I guess it’s their bit of harmless fun while working – to admire girls walking past in the summer.’ A 34-year-old man added: ‘Everyone thinks it’s a strange complaint to make. I feel bad for the guys off work.’”
I hope the construction company will stand firm to its policy and that the men will stop harassing women in the future!
(Many thanks to Vicky Simister at the UK Anti-Street Harassment Campaign for the story tip!)
Jen says
The usual inane comments you’d expect from Daily Mail readers on the comments section of this story, I see. Whilst these people are so busy apologising for the poor victimised builders, maybe they should question why, if it isn’t an issue, the building company has taken it so seriously. I complained to a building company about sexual comments from two of their staff and they took it VERY seriously. If men behave like over-sexed teenagers during work hours then they deserve to be treated as such. It’s not appropriate and there is no excuse – after years of dealing with street harassment, the fact that so many men feel the need to put their thoughts about passers-by into words/whistles still amazes me. Keep it to yourself and leave me alone!
Clare King says
I agree with Jen – the first thing I thought was ‘Well, that’s your typical Daily Mail reader reaction to it’.
It’s not just this construction company that takes it seriously. Many are signed up to the ‘considerate contractor’ scheme and they do take it very seriously when members of the public are adversely affected by the staff or project. I’ve worked on very large construction projects where part of the induction process is making it absolutely clear to everyone that harrassment and bad behaviour will not be tolerated. That often includes people’s behaviour outside work hours as well, for example if you are driving a work vehicle or wearing a work uniform on the way home.
As has been said, it’s the unwanted imposition of someone else’s thoughts and opinions into my life that makes me angry. Sorry guys, but you’re mistaking me for someone who cares about your opinions. You’re being rude, go away.