By Ian Neubauer
Three male bartenders have filed a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) after they claimed they were discharged because of their sex.
Ben Moroney, Black McDermott and Anthony Rose said they were fired from long-term positions at the Wallacia Hotel on the foothills of the Blue Mountains after proprietor Bob Barton indicated to management that customers preferred female bartenders, News Ltd reported.
Barton has denied the allegations, saying the move was intended to counterbalance recent staff cutbacks that had disproportionately impacted on female employees.
Barton could not be contacted for comment today (Mar 11). However, an AHRC spokesperson said Barton had 21 days to respond to the complaint, after which the commission would bring the parties together to help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
Should the parties fail the find common ground, the complainants will be entitled to take the matter to the Federal Court.