A year ago
Two housekeeping staff who claim the Algerian consul took advantage of them and subjected them to humiliation, insults, yelling, and misogyny are suing for more than $450,000 in damages. (The Montréal Journal).
Lawyer Yasmina Boukossa stated in a letter to the Algerian Consulate General in Montreal in 2021 that "our clients were not only verbally and figuratively exploited, but also were not entitled to any break, and their sick leaves were more or less rejected." The Journal later obtained a copy of this letter.
According to two civil complaints, Mr. Nourredine Meriem, the general consul of Algeria, and his wife subjected Marisa Amaya, 65, and Elida Rivera Lopez, 69, two independent housekeepers, to psychological harassment, abuse of power, insults, yelling, and humiliation.
For a total of $452,452 in unpaid salaries, missed earnings, damages, and interest, they are suing the Algerian government and the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The appeal does not specifically mention Mr. Meriem.
The women had each been employed by the consulate since 2008 or 2014, whichever came first.
deteriorated environment
Nevertheless, according to the records, it was only when the ambassador entered office in 2019 that the environment and working circumstances deteriorated, becoming "intolerable" and "toxic".
According to the claims, they would therefore have had a significantly increased burden in addition to being tasked with maintaining the consul's and his family's home.
There, according to the complainants, they encountered "hostile" circumstances and "vexatious" behavior.
Items were allegedly tossed on the floor in front of them, along with directions to clean them up. The initial motions also said that Ms. Amaya and Ms. Lopez would have had to work while wounded in addition to having to put up with hate comments.
That felt like a nightmare. As she wiped away her emotions, Ms. Amaya continued, "We don't know how we were able to stay. She says that she and her co-worker have been seen as "servants."
"Self-esteem has completely collapsed." "Our throats tightened at the thought of being handled like dogs," Ms. Lopez said.
The two ladies also claim that they were overlooked and concealed. Since then, they claim they have experienced depressive symptoms and are unable to go back to work.
Yesterday, it was impossible to contact Mr. Meriem or the Algerian administration (February 27th, 2023).
The state of Algeria made the suggestion that it had immunity in a document that was just submitted in the courtroom in Montreal.
According to the State Immunity Act, the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria is a foreign state for legal reasons, as stated by the voice of Global Affairs Canada. Michael Nguyen's assistance was used.
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