Women’s Group Calls on SEIU to Fire Scott Courtney, Conduct Review of Union’s Sexual Harassment Policies and Enforcement Mechanisms
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, October 19, 2017
CONTACT: Brett Abrams | 516-841-1105 | brett@unbendablemedia.com
Women’s Group Calls on SEIU to Fire Scott Courtney, Conduct Review of Union’s Sexual Harassment Policies and Enforcement Mechanisms
Earlier this week, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) suspended Executive Vice President Scott Courtney after “questions were raised related to our union’s ethical code an anti-nepotism policy.” According to former SEIU employees, Courtney had a history of sexual relationships with young female staffers – many of whom were subsequently promoted – as well as a record of ignoring accusations of sexual assault and harassment that were brought to his attention.
Shaunna Thomas, co-founder of UltraViolet, a national women’s advocacy organization, issued the following statement, calling on the SEIU’s executive board to fire Courtney, effective immediately, and to conduct an internal review of the union’s policies and enforcement mechanisms as they relate to sexual harassment:
“Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any workplace, but it’s particularly disturbing to learn that an organization dedicated to protecting workers has allowed a culture of harassment and abuse to flourish within its ranks.“The SEIU must immediately move to fire Courtney, and conduct a review of the organization’s sexual harassment policies. This is wholly unacceptable, and the SEIU leadership must act quickly to ensure that it never happens again.“We know that sexual harassment and assault are pervasive throughout our society and affect all women. We would like to see the progressive movement leading on these issues.”
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