Sexual Harassment in Westbrook – The Story Continues

There has been another development in the decade long sexual
harassment battle in the Westbrook, Maine Fire Department, as two male firefighters
have contested disciplinary actions imposed against them. Lt. Donald Trafford and
Firefighter Matthew Lamontagne are grieving their punishments to the Maine
Labor Relations Board.

The action comes on the heels of a sexual harassment lawsuit
filed by female firefighters. The same firefighters had previously complained to
the Maine Human Rights Commission in 1994 and 2001, on each occasion prevailing
and receiving settlements.

On the positive side, the department is bringing in a
consultant to address allegations of gender bias and sexual harassment. The
most recent complaint alleges that
certain male firefighters, including company level officers, engaged in
incidents ranging from masturbation and pornography in a fire station to a sexual
affair and sex at a fire department gathering. For more on this story.