http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=616422

Boss says 'dirty talk' claims untrue


By Marie Foy

03 March 2005
The operations manager of a Co Armagh vegetable packing company has said he
had never been aware of any 'dirty talk' or bragging by employees about
sexual exploits.

William Gilpin (22) was giving evidence at the final day of a Fair
Employment Tribunal yesterday.

Former employee Mary Grew has claimed religious and sexual discrimination
against Gilfresh Produce in Loughgall, owned by Mr Gilpin's father Thomas.

Mrs Grew, a Catholic from Moy in Tyrone, said she was forced to take sick
leave after becoming distressed by the conduct of some male workers at the
plant.

She claimed a number of her male colleaues openly boasted about their sexual
exploits with Polish girls and taunted her with pictures of topless women
during the summer of 2002.

She also alleged she was subjected to sectarian comments.

In his evidence, Mr Gilpin said that at that time he was learning about all
aspects of the business.

When asked if he had heard any of the alleged 'dirty talk' he replied: "I
wasn't aware of anything."

The witness was also asked about an incident when one employee claimed he
was told to put Polish workers in a chill room for about 15 minutes.

This was allegedly because two unknown men had come onto the premises and Mr
Gilpin supposely wanted to make sure they weren't there to check up on
illegal workers.

Mr Gilpin said he had never told anyone to do that.

"I would have no reason to. All our workers are well looked after. All the
farm workers get the same pay as local workers and are treated really well."

He added: "All our workers are legal."

Final submissions in the case are to be handed into the Tribunal by Friday
week and a ruling will be made at a later date.