BURNABY, B.C. (CP) -- Two veteran Burnaby firefighters who supported embattled female colleague Boni Prokopetz have won a chance to have their own human rights complaints heard.
The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal has rejected the City of Burnaby's application to dismiss complaints by captains Perry Talkkari and Garry Wilson.
The pair had filed their own complaints under the Human Rights Act, claiming their support of Prokopetz brought threats and retaliation upon them at work.
Earlier, Prokopetz alleged that the municipality, the fire department and her own union subjected her to years of sexual harassment and discrimination.
Talkkari said on Saturday he still loves his work but called his work environment ''poisonous.''
''It's real strained -- definitely, I'm very isolated,'' said Talkkari, a firefighter for 16 years. ''You go into a room and say 'Good morning,'' and some guys just get up and walk out. A lot of guys are real hostile about it.''
Wilson told a similar story of alienation and misinformation.
''I think the word 'poisonous' describes it,'' said Wilson. ''There's been sides drawn without knowing all the (facts of the) situation. It's like my 26 years of good service and dedication doesn't exist any more.''
The tribunal also recommended that whistleblowers and discrimination claimants should enjoy broader protection.
Wilson and Talkkari said they're just looking forward to an opportunity to have their say.
''You finally get a chance to say it in front of people who understand the process and why we have the (human rights) legislation,'' Wilson said.
Added Talkkari: ''It absolutely gives me a voice. It gives me the opportunity to be heard and that's an important thing.''
The city has said it will not comment on the allegations until after the human rights hearing for the men and Prokopetz, scheduled for early April.
(Vancouver Province)
