CCIWA to defend Rodwell in 'unfair treatment' claim

The state’s peak industry body has vowed to defend its chief executive amid allegations he told a senior staff member her family obligations meant the organisation ‘may not be the place for her’.

According to a report published in a news outlet this afternoon, the chamber’s commercial services director Katherine Hoar has launched legal action against the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA for the comments, which were allegedly made by chief executive Chris Rodwell.

Business News understands the complainant is mounting both a general protections and a workers compensation claim against the CCI over the alleged incident.

In a statement released to Business News this afternoon, Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA board president Nicolle Jenkins confirmed a current employee had launched legal action alleging ‘unfair treatment’ and that the chamber intended to strongly defend the claims.

It is understood the complainant had previously made internal complaints alleging unfair treatment, complaints the CCI claims were “rigorously examined”, both internally and through an external investigation.

Both investigations concluded that the complaints were not substantiated, Ms Jenkins said.

Ms Jenkins defended Mr Rodwell, the organisation and its culture.

“CCIWA extends significant wellbeing resources to all our staff,” Ms Jenkins said.

“As president and on behalf of the board, we have absolute confidence in the culture, the chief executive and the leadership of the organisation. 

“The CCIWA that I know and love is completely committed to providing an inclusive, safe and supportive workplace at all times.

“We intend to strongly defend the claims.”