Harassed workers get payouts

Two former Super Liquor workers have been awarded almost $40,000 compensation for harassment by the store owner and his son.

One of them, Deborah Nichols, said the harassment began with verbal abuse shortly after she started working for John Reed at the Te Awamutu store in 2002.

It became sexual after she returned glasses to the store during the 2003 Melbourne Cup, when Mr Reed patted her left breast. She left in February 2004.

Her workmate, Trevor Bartley, was subjected to verbal abuse.

He said Mr Reed "blew up" without warning and constantly changed instructions.

"He would torment me by saying the job wasn't secure and he could get rid of me anytime he wanted."

The pair took their case to the Employment Relations Authority, which ruled in their favour.

It awarded Ms Nichols $26,750 including $10,000 in lost wages and $3750 costs. Mr Bartley got $13,000 plus $3000 costs for unjustifiable dismissal, loss of dignity and humiliation.

- NZPA