Public Hearing Summaries – Commission For Human Rights

In Nazary J. Buterin Jr. vs. Anchorage Plumbing and Heating, complainant alleged that respondent discriminated against him because of his race, Alaska Native, when it subjected him to different terms and conditions of employment. Complainant also alleged that a coworker made disparaging comments about Alaska Natives, and that after he complained about the comments respondent retaliated against him by terminating his employment. The parties reached a settlement in which respondent agreed to pay complainant $3.850 in damages and to adopt and disseminate a nondiscrimination policy.

In Michael Hansen vs. The New Printer's Workshop, complainant alleged that respondent terminated his employment in retaliation for his filing a discrimination complaint with the Commission. A public hearing before OAH was held on November 4-5, 2009. On June 9, 2010, the ALJ issued a recommended decision finding that respondent retaliated against complainant by firing him and recommending that respondent pay complainant $1,440 in back pay and obtain anti-discrimination training for its managers and employees. On June 20, 2011, the Commission adopted the recommended decision in a final order.

In Dennis Phillips vs. Tew's Excavation, Inc., complainant alleged that respondent discriminated against him because of his sex when respondent’s owner subjected him to unwelcome, degrading comments and offensive conduct of a sexual nature. Complainant alleged that the owner’s behavior made his working conditions so intolerable that he was forced to resign from his position as a shop mechanic. A public hearing was held on December 9-11, 2009. On May 27, 2011, the ALJ issued a recommended decision finding that respondent’s crude language and gestures were insufficient to create a hostile work environment and that complainant was not constructively discharged. On November 9, 2011, the Commission adopted the ALJ’s recommended decision and dismissed the case.