BAKER’S INN Bulawayo branch has been rocked by widespread
allegations of workplace harassment, after claims surfaced that employees,
especially female merchandisers and students on attachment, have been subjected
to sexual harassment by some of the company’s managers.
Investigations by B-Metro revealed that victims, mostly
female merchandisers, were being pestered for sexual favours by the alleged
perpetrators (names supplied) and when they refused, they risked being
transferred from one supermarket to another for no apparent reason.
In separate interviews with some of the victims, they
recounted some of the most appalling and shocking details of victimisation,
intimidation, verbal bullying, forced hugs and kisses and all forms of sexual
misconduct.
According to a source from the company, what the alleged
harassers had been publicly named for was the tip of the iceberg.
“We are being subjected to unwelcome sexual advances,
verbal bullying, victimisation, forced hugs and kisses, and all forms of sexual
misconduct. Those who refuse the sexual advances are subjected to further
harassment like being transferred from one supermarket to another. Some victims
are keeping quiet or not coming forward because they fear losing their jobs.
“This is because they think the accused will be allowed to
see the complaint, then know the identity of the person who made it, so that he
can respond. It is the same with students who are scared of repercussions for
their careers,” said a victim who did not wish to be identified.
Another victim also alleged that preferential treatment was
given to female workers, whom they suspected might have had sexual encounters
with the alleged perpetrators.
The latest case of sexual harassment which allegedly left
one of the students on attachment extremely depressed and demoralised is being
investigated by the police.
This was after a complaint was made to the human resources
manager who didn’t take any action against the alleged perpetrator.
A police officer close to the investigation of the alleged
sexual harassment at the company confirmed it to B-Metro.
“Yes, there is a case of sexual harassment involving a
student on attachment from that company which is being handled by the police.
The case is just a tip of the iceberg of what is happening at the company as
more victims are yet to come forward and give their testimonies,” said the
police officer.
Added the police officer: “When she was interviewed by the
police, she was so traumatised and ashamed, not only by the sexual harassment
but by having to give the details of the alleged harassment. Before
investigations were instituted the victim was referred for counselling as she
was extremely traumatised as a result of the alleged harassment.
“There is no doubt that this matter would add to a growing
number of reports that women are regularly harassed or discriminated against at
the company”.
Baker’s Inn chief executive officer Ngoni Mazango said the
allegations would be investigated.
“As a business we do not tolerate such behaviour and
conduct, as such, we will investigate.
Those found on the wrong side of our Code of Conduct, will be dealt with
in accordance with the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, a counsellor with a local organisation who
requested anonymity for professional reasons said it was helpful to train
students to be alert to the possibility of sexual misconduct, to identify
warning signs and to learn strategies of getting out of those kinds of
situations before it reaches a crisis. B Metro
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