ETC CEO’s Facebook comments ‘unacceptable’ says equality watchdog

The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) has issued its statement on comments posted on Facebook by the politically-appointed CEO of the Employment and Training Commission, which were deemed of a sexual nature in regards to his subordinate.

Philip Rizzo commended a subordinate’s professionalism on her Facebook wall by complimenting her on having the proverbial ‘balls’ for the job, as well as an attractive bosom.

The outrage led to a ministerial direction barring ETC employees from having access to Facebook.

“Such behaviour is condemnable not only at CEO level but at all levels,” the NCPE said, whose function is to ensure that all women and men on the workplace have their fundamental rights and dignity respected.

“These rights include freedom from discrimination and harassment, bullying, intimidation, sexual harassment and victimisation.

“It is the primary responsibility of officers in senior management positions to ensure an environment that promotes equality and respect for the rights and dignity of each and every individual working within the organisation. Moreover, it is their responsibility to guide individuals, within the organization, who may be victims of discrimination and harassment, to seek redress from authorities established by law for such purpose, such as the NCPE, and as such, they have the added duty to be upstanding role models in this regard.”

The NCPE said that all private and public entities should have a tailor-made harassment and equality policy in place. “All entities should also provide training to staff and management in this respect to make them fully aware of what constitutes acceptable behaviour or otherwise at the place of work and in interactions with colleagues. NCPE can offer guidance to organisations in relation to such policies and relevant training.”