TORONTO — A Toronto company is inviting legal trouble with an ad specifically seeking female applicants because the job involves receptionist work, a Toronto employment lawyer says.
The post, by web design company Vestra Inet, was posted nearly two weeks ago and was looking for a Content Writer and SEO Specialist. The job ad details a lengthy list of required qualifications, and adds that “the position requires filling in the responsibilities of a receptionist, so female candidates are preferred.”
Naturally, the ad sparked derision online. The company’s LinkedIn profile is filled with outraged comments, and Twitter users chimed in as well.
Employment lawyer Stacey Ball says the ad could result in a lawsuit or human rights complaint.
“In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, you might have seen this kind of ad – but today, it’s not socially acceptable and a legal issue.”
“An employer could see $30, $40, $50,000 in general damages … you can’t discriminate against someone just because they’re male,” she said.
Global News went to Vestra Inet’s office for comment, but was asked to leave the premises. A company representative later said by phone that the ad was posted in an in an effort to have more women represented within the organization, whose staff is predominantly male.
The ad was removed from LinkedIn on Monday afternoon and the company posted a statement addressing the controversy.
“Several individuals have found the wording of the ad to be offensive, and we want to assure everyone that we did not mean to discriminate against any particular gender or group,” the posting reads in part. “Vestra Inet is a company that believes in promoting diversity. Our staff currently consists of employees of various genders and ethnicities. Above all, Vestra Inet values knowledge and talent.”
Ontario’s Human Rights Commission says job postings that specifically target a certain gender are a form of discrimination.
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