Linda Hall: Woman made brave stand

Roger Sutton

There are two sides to every story and I've been waiting and hoping all week that the woman who filed a formal complaint of sexual harassment against her boss, Roger Sutton, would speak out.

After all Mr Sutton, who is described on Wikipedia as a business leader in Christchurch and as "the most influential person in Christchurch," sure hasn't been shy in telling his side of the story.

Now it's been revealed that at least six women working with the former Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) boss had made informal approaches about sexual harassment and the complainant said she took a stand against her boss after watching other women being treated similarly by the chief executive.

What a brave thing to do.

It is beyond me that a man of Mr Sutton's standing would treat women like this. He should know better.

He's been managing staff for years, I simply don't believe he didn't realise women don't like being called "sweetie" or "honey" by their boss.

What about when he hugged the complainant ... didn't he get a "vibe" that she didn't like that.

I was talking to a woman about this who started her first job in the late sixties. She said being called dear, honey and even darling by her boss was common back then.

"It didn't worry me and I didn't think they meant anything by it, in fact I was quite flattered because it meant the boss liked me. But really it was because young women in the workplace were seen as inferior."

However, she said her boss certainly didn't hug her.

"In fact I can't even remember my father hugging me. I made sure I hugged my kids lots but I can't stand it when I met someone for the first time and they hug and kiss me on the cheek."

I agree, hugging is for friends and family. Work colleagues often fall into this category because over the years they can become friends.

However, there is a time and a place. I like hugs but I wouldn't go into work and hug everyone - they would think I'd gone mad. I did hug a work colleague on his last day with us after six and a half years.

After you have known someone or worked with them a while you can usually tell if they are a "hugger".

As for the "terms of endearment" they should be left at home for the wife and kids.

I admire the woman who took a stand. It can't have been easy going up against such an influential man.

Imagine how she must have felt. We all have days (especially Mondays) when we really don't want to go to work.

However, this woman must have absolutely dreaded going into an environment where she had to spend at least eight hours a day, five days a week stressing out about the actions of her boss.

The way this case has been handled is simply unbelievable. Mr Sutton's public resignation and apology ... what the hell was that all about? Was that to make him feel better about himself?

So much for the confidentially clause that both parties signed.

Mr Sutton has also done damage to the thousands of good bosses out there who maybe feel they have to be just that little bit more stand offish with their women employees.

I hope the complainant gets all the help and support she needs.

-Linda Hall is assistant editor at Hawke's Bay Today.