The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) today said it is taking immediate steps to address the issue of sexual harassment and assault.
A statement from the board of CJIA came in the wake of allegations by a woman working at the airport that her complaint of sexual harassment and assault by a senior manager was not taken seriously.
A statement from the CJIA follows:
The Board of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), at its meeting last Friday (June 21, 2019) initiated steps to immediately tackle the issue of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. The interventions reflect the board’s deep concerned about the allegations of sexual misconduct recently published in the news media.
The CJIA board condemns any behaviour which creates an unsafe environment for staff, concessionaires, contractors, suppliers and passengers using CJIA. The board is fully committed to ensuring that the CJIA is a safe workplace for all, especially women and other vulnerable social groups.
The board has called for an immediate review of all policies, protocols, regulations, and practices that govern conduct and engagements in the workplace, and has taken steps to hire external consultants and specialists to conduct the reviews. In addition, training will be provided for all persons who work at the airport including staff, at all levels, and persons working at the airport on behalf of other agencies, and companies.
The board wishes to assure the public that all allegations of improper conduct will be taken seriously and there will be prompt investigations. The board will ensure that there is follow through on any investigations that are conducted, and any allegation that is found to be credible will result in the immediate appropriate action.
The CJIA board expects to have the external human resource management and gender affairs consultants in place by the end of this month.
