Top-end Australian department store David Jones settled Monday a sexual harassment case with an ex-staffer who had sought 36.5 million US dollars for allegedly enduring the unwelcome advances of her boss.
Former David Jones publicist Kristy Fraser-Kirk brought the suit against the retailer earlier this year, alleging that ex-chief executive Mark McInnes had acted inappropriately at company functions, including attempting to kiss her.
McInnes, who resigned from David Jones after the claims were made public in June, has said that most of the accusations against him were untrue while the store and its directors denied all allegations against them.
In a statement to the stock exchange, David Jones said that an out-of-court settlement worth 850,000 dollars (839,500 US), which includes a contribution from McInnes, had been reached with Fraser-Kirk.
McInnes said it brought an end to a "difficult time" in many people's lives.
"I have repeatedly said that the vast majority of the allegations are simply untrue and the nature of the court proceedings was an abuse of court process," he said.
Fraser-Kirk said she was pleased that the suit, which was scheduled for a Federal Court hearing in December, had triggered public discussion about sexual harassment at work.
"This has been a difficult journey but one that I felt was important," she said in a statement. "The case has led to real debate taking place which I am confident will lead to change.
The 27-year-old had originally sought 37 million Australian dollars in punitive damages from the exclusive department store, making the case the country's largest ever sexual harassment claim.
Established in 1838, David Jones is Australia's oldest department store, boasting landmark buildings in Sydney, including one which hosted a state banquet for Queen Elizabeth II during her 1954 tour.
No comments:
Post a Comment