Blue collar worker alleges he was object of racial harassment

CTV Montreal: Racial discrimination Alrick Bowen says he's the victim of racial discrimination and harassment.

Judicial hearings took place Thursday into an alleged case of racial discrimination and harassment.

Alrick Bowen is seeking compensation from the city of Pointe Claire for enduring what he calls years of racism and hatred.

Bowen was hired by the city of Pointe Claire in 2001, and says he was repeatedly subjected to racial taunts and epithets.

"Two to three times a week in the public works building, it was said to me and around me, 'What is this nigger doing here again?'" said Bowen.

In addition to the racial taunts, Bowen says other employees physically attacked him, but managers did not care.

"I was physically aggressed by another employee. I asked to meet with the administration to address this account. They refused to meet with me and put me back to work with the same worker," said Bowen.

He said he filed multiple grievances with his union but it had no effect.

After a decade of harassment, Bowen could not handle it any more and went on sick leave in 2013.

The tribunal's hearings are scheduled to take place Thursday and Friday this week, with additional hearings in July and August.

Among the witnesses subpoenaed to testify are former mayor Bill McMurchie, and current mayor Morris Trudeau.