February 18, 2011
A male shop assistant has launched a sex discrimination case against household retailer John Lewis, claiming the company laughed off a clear instance of harassment.
According to the Evening Standard, Konstantinos Kalomoiris, a former employee for at John Lewis’ flagship department store on London's Oxford Street, accused colleague Bianca Revrenna of slapping his bottom in the workplace.
Mr Kalamoiris claimed the 68-year-old manager performed the inappropriate action on three occasions, forcing him to quit his job, despite complaints to upper management. However, Ms Revrenna maintains she only touched the lower back of Mr Kalomoiris to reassure him following a problem with a customer.
A formal complaint about Ms Revrenna's conduct was filed, but after being ignored, Mr Kalomoiris decided to take his case to an employment law tribunal after colleagues dismissed him for being "too sensitive".
"My manager said I should be delighted that a colleague liked me enough to slap my bum," Mr Kalomoiris told the tribunal.
The case continues, but while it is uncertain how Mr Kalomoiris’ claims will be understood by the courts, his plight highlights the dangers of inappropriate actions in the workplace.
Employers hoping to dodge the dangerous areas of litigation John Lewis now finds itself embroiled in should clearly state to new and existing employees what is and is not tolerated in the workplace, while offering a confidential and professional ear to those with grievances.
