Masseuse files sexual harassment suit vs Hyatt
A masseuse has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit in federal court against the owner of Hyatt Regency Saipan after its assistant manager allegedly subjected her to sexual advances.
The plaintiff, through counsel Colin M. Thompson, asked the U.S. District Court for the NMI to issue a permanent injunction preventing Saipan Portopia Hotel Corp. and its officers or agents from engaging in any employment practices, including sexual harassment, which discriminate on the basis of sex.
Saipan Tribune tried to get a comment from the hotel, but as of press time, there was no response from its counsel.
The masseuse requested the court to order the defendant to institute and carry out policies and programs, which provide equal employment opportunities.
The plaintiff demanded compensation, including lost wage damages, damages, attorney’s fees, and court costs.
According to Thompson in the complaint filed on Wednesday, the defendant and the 10 unnamed co-defendants subjected the plaintiff to severe sexual harassment.
Thompson said the sexual harassment included sexual advances and sexually charged and unwelcome physical contract by the hotel’s assistant manager.
The lawyer said the plaintiff complained of the sexual harassment to the director of the hotel’s human resources and her supervisor on Sept. 13, 2010.
After the hotel management’s investigation on the complaint, the plaintiff was allegedly given a three-day suspension without pay.
Thompson said that on Sept. 20, 2010, the director of human resources issued a notice that the plaintiff’s employment is terminated.
“Defendants retaliated against plaintiff for opposing discrimination and complaining about sexual harassment,” Thompson said.
