The man concerned by the complaint is now at the centre of a second complaint, this time submitted by the municipality of Contern. The basis of accusations are explicit texts sent to female coworkers.
According to radio station 100,7, the general coordinator continues to be working without having been suspended, despite the fact that labour laws stipulate that employers must undertake protective measures in the event of sexual harassment accusations.
CIGR president Mike Hagen was interviewed by RTL and confirmed that the executive board had seen the texts in question. In his opinion, the texts lack clear proof of harassment. He added that those employees who had made the accusations have not yet spoken to the board, as one of them no longer works at the centre, and the other went to the municipality of Contern rather than the CIGR Syrdall.
The centre has also faced further accusations of misconduct. In 2011 and 2012, those employed by the centre via the OPE (Objectif Plein Emploi, a recruitment aid) had carried out work at the homes of former and then-executive board members, as well as at the home of Mike Hagen's mother in Junglinster. Hagen defended these points, claiming a then-technical agent had examined the matter and approved the works as a masonry training option for the CIGR.
Asked about the principle stipulating that workers could not do more than four hours work for the same person per week, Hagen hinted that had just been a recommendation. However, the agreement between OPE president and the Federation Horticole highlighted that garden work could not exceed four hours a week.
Hagen dismissed claims that work occurred at a reduced tariff of €7.83 per hour (without VAT), as reported by 100,7. Instead he argued tariffs were set at €9 inclusive of VAT. Hagen highlighted that it is justifiable for executive board members aged above 60 to benefit from the CIGR's services.
Head of CIGR accused of harassment towards female employees
Accusations of harassment and financial misconduct at CIGR Syrdall
CIGR Syrdall executive to await results of judicial investigation
