Indian-origin woman wins harassment case after being called ‘aunty’ at work

An Indian-origin woman won a harassment claim after a colleague repeatedly called her ‘aunty’ despite her asking him to stop. A tribunal ordered the employer to pay her £1,425.15 (~₹1.76 lakh) as compensation.

The decision was made by a tribunal in Watford. As per reports, judge said that comments created an offensive environment for the 61-year-old, named Ilda Esteves.They ruled the behavior amounted to harassment based on age and sex.

Esteves told tribunal that staff nurse Charles Oppong called her aunty several times between June and September 2023, as per reports. Esteves said she had asked him to use her first name, but he continued, she also said he made comments suggesting she was a good match for an older colleague.

The tribunal reportedly accepted that aunty can be a respectful term in Ghanaian culture. However, the judges said that because Esteves did not like being called that, it became offensive and created an uncomfortable workplace.

Judges concluded that remarks were likely meant as humor but still caused harm. Therefore, they ruled in favor of Esteves and awarded her damages for injury to feelings, as per reports.

Some of her other claims, including race discrimination and wage issues, were reportedly rejected. Her request to keep the case private was also denied, as the tribunal said public interest was more important.