Crackdown on quake workers

Earthquake repair contractors at Canterbury University will be forced off campus if they are caught harassing female students.

The move comes after two students complained that they had overheard two construction workers talking about other female students in a "derogatory manner".

As a result of the complaint Hawkins Construction has cracked down on its staff and contractors, warning of the serious consequences of any kind of harassment - and reinforced existing rules about wolf whistling and other forms of sexual harassment.

Hawkins staff and contractors have also been told they must remove their high viz vests and helmets when they are in university cafes, so they blend in more with students, and don't look intimidating.

Canterbury University refused to discuss the issue with The Star, saying it was a matter for Hawkins to deal with.

Hawkins South Island manager Steve Taw said: ``Hawkins does not tolerate any form of sexual harassment or unprofessional behaviour by any of its staff or contractors on, or around our sites.'' 

A site manager told The Star it was a case of ``tough love'' for workers who broke the rules.
Those who broke them would ``disappear'' from the campus, he said.

The manager said construction workers in high viz vests were often seen as intimidating by the public, and their language could be foul.

By removing the vests in the cafe they would blend in with students, he said.

Students association general manager Martin Mongan said he was aware of the complaint by the two students
but would not reveal what the nature of the derogatory comments were.

The two workers had not been identified.

Student Sarah Dini, 18, said the crackdown on wolf whistling was good as it would allow female students to feel more comfortable on campus.

Another, Charlotte Grimshaw, 22, said she was ``not fazed by the guys on campus'' and felt bad for the workers having to remove their vests before entering campus cafes.

Cameron Burgess, 18, welcomed the crackdown, saying construction workers need to be more respectful.

A contractor working at the university, Justin Sullivan said
the policies in place were fair enough.

``We have to blend in. It's not a problem having to take the vest off. It is what it is,'' he said.