Tampa Council Chairperson, work environment under probe

The results of a seven-month investigation into the workplace conduct of Tampa Council Chairperson Orlando Gudes were released recently. the 60-page document corroborates the accusations levied by the survivor. 

This issue came to light when Gudes's former legislative aid filed a human resources complaint against Gudes creating a toxic work environment riddled with sexist, racist, and homophobic remarks addressed toward the aid and her teenage daughter.  Trenam Law which is the legal firm in charge of the case interviewed over 20 people who gave an extensive account of Gudes's behavior supporting the claims made by the complainant. Gudes is also known to have spoken ill of Mayor Jane Castor on multiple occasions. The mayor has said that if she could she would have fired Gudes for all his behavior and any other city employee in his place would have been terminated by now. The list of complaints against Gudes is extensive, it includes making crude comments to the aid, asking if she was going through menopause, and referring to her as "Celie" an abused character. The report also enlists incidents where Gudes made homophobic comments especially directed at Castor who is gay. He also made sexually explicit comments about the aid's teenage daughter. 

To much dismay, the city news release has reiterated that the city cannot take action against Gudes who is an elected official. The aid can, however, file a report with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or Florida Commission on Human Relations which the city would respond to or settle. They can also approach the Florida Commission on Ethics. The former aid whose name is redacted and kept confidential. continues to work for the city of Tampa.

Source: Tampa Bay Times