ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Nov 14, CMC -The Mill Reef Club has been given until Monday next week, to pay more than EC$29,000 (One EC dollar=US#37 cents) to a former receptionist who was fired nearly three decades ago because of his hairstyle.
The Industrial Court ruled that the 1998 dismissal of Andre Thomas breached his constitutional rights and violated principles of good industrial relations.
Thomas, who had worked at the resort for six years, was suspended and later dismissed after a new European manager demanded he alter his appearance.
But the Industrial Court noted there had been no complaints about the hairstyle and that the resort had no formal grooming policy, describing the dismissal “frivolous and extreme”.
The court also criticised the resort for denying union representation and failing to investigate the matter. The club’s destruction of employment records also weakened its defence during proceedings, which began in 2011.
In total, Thomas was awarded EC$29,325.60 in compensation, including lost income, damages, and legal costs.
CMC/2025