Out@Work supports trans- hairdresser Dakota Hemmingson

Tuesday, 15 March 2016, 3:06 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Council of Trade Unions

Out@Work supports trans- hairdresser Dakota Hemmingson

Out@Work, the nationwide organisation representing working people who identify as lesbian, gay, takataapui, bisexual, intersex, transgender and fa'afafine, is calling on employers to treat those that work for them with respect and dignity.
Out@Work has heard of other cases similar to Dakota Hemmingson’s. Ms Hemmingson, a transgender women, was pressured by her employer to resign from her job. "We have had contact with Dakota and her lawyer and offered our support. It appears that Ms Hemmingson’s human and employment rights have been breached," said Out@Work Spokesperson Art Daniel.

"People who are transitioning from one gender identity to another should be supported and certainly not victimized by their employer or colleagues,"
"We commend Ms Hemmingsons courage to speak publically about the discrimination she has experienced at work. It’s a tough thing to do,"

"Employers need to get with the programme on this issue and access the Human Rights Commission Inquiry in 2008 "To Be Who I am" which resulted in a guide for employers on how to behave fairly and lawfully when someone is transitioning at work.

"Employers have obligations under both employment and human rights law. Good employers know this," Daniel said.

ENDS

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New Zealand Council of Trade Unions

Te Kauae Kaimahi

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi brings together over 350,000 New Zealand union members in 40 affiliated unions. We are the united voice for working people and their families in New Zealand.

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