An Antigua resort, Mill Reef Club, has been mandated by the Industrial Court to compensate a former receptionist, Andre Thomas, with over EC$29,000 for his wrongful dismissal nearly three decades ago. The court found that the 1998 termination, prompted by Thomas’s refusal to change his hairstyle, violated his constitutional rights and breached principles of good industrial relations. Thomas, who had been employed at the resort for six years, was suspended and subsequently fired after a new European manager insisted on altering his appearance. Notably, the court highlighted that there were no prior complaints about Thomas’s hairstyle and that the resort lacked a formal grooming policy. The judges deemed the dismissal “frivolous and extreme,” criticizing the resort for denying union representation and failing to investigate the matter adequately. Additionally, the destruction of employment records by the club undermined its defense during the proceedings, which commenced in 2011. Thomas was awarded EC$29,325.60, covering lost income, damages, and legal costs, with the payment deadline set for 17 November 2025.
Resort ordered to pay $29,000 over unfair dismissal tied to hairstyle
