Photo Courtesy of Marta Krueger.

Amendments made to the Saskatchewan Employment Act will help employees report sexual misconduct within their workplace.

Marta Krueger, a waitress in Saskatoon putting herself through university, has dealt with sexual misconduct in front, and behind the scenes of the restaurant business.

“The anticipated nature and culture of the service industry is that you will have to deal with difficult customers,” said Krueger. “But it really ruins your day to deal with inappropriate behavior.”

Krueger details an incident where she was sexually harassed by a customer who made comments about her appearance.

“The man said to me ‘I would tell you that you are beautiful, but your mask is covering your face

so I will just judge by your body,’ ” said Krueger.

Krueger said other employees were subjected to inappropriate comments by the same customer. Management chose to ignore the incidents because no dangerous actions took place. However, Krueger explains the man was a regular at the establishment and claims that her employer did not want to lose a loyal customer.

“It makes me upset,” said Krueger. “The incident told me that my comfort and safety as an employee was not their first priority…. It showed that they wanted to save face and were more worried about losing money and his business than they were worried than dealing with the comfort of the employees.”

Confronting a customer can reflect badly on the server.

“If you confront a customer, you risk losing the tip,” said Krueger.

Inappropriate behaviour from co-workers is something Krueger has also dealt with during her time in the service industry. In another establishment, her management took her concerns seriously about sexual harassment coming from another co-worker.

“No one should feel uncomfortable in their place of work from their own co-workers,” said Krueger.

The co-worker was dismissed because of his behaviour.

The Saskatchewan Employment Amendment 2021 defines harassment as “any unwelcome action of sexual nature.” The new legislation is meant to help create a safer workplace for employers and employees.

In the November 18, press release from the provincial government Don Morgan, Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, explains how amendments will aid workers in vulnerable sectors.

“The legislation that governs our employers and employees needs to address the challenges of the modern work environment, including protecting vulnerable workers,” said Morgan in the release. “These amendments will help us build a stronger, safer and healthier Saskatchewan.”

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour did not return for comment.

The amendments will also apply harassment measures to independent contractors, volunteers, and students.

Krueger is pleased to hear about amendments applying to students as many of her co-workers are in high school and post-secondary. She says offering jurisdiction for protection to harassment is a “step in the right direction.”