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Republican presidential candidate Shawn Moody's campaign angrily denounced allegations that he allegedly abused an employee who had filed a complaint of sex discrimination as a result of her dismissal after childbirth.
The Maine GOP on Friday called to the press about a $ 20,000 settlement that had been paid to the former employee as a "smear" against the candidate a few weeks before polling day.
The settlement, which was first reported by The New York Times, stems from the ordeal suffered by single mother Jill Hayward after being fired from Moody's collision monitoring centers. She filed a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission in 2006, but it was withdrawn after the Moody & # 39; s insurer's settlement.
Moody, who is running against Democratic Attorney General Janet Mills and two independents, said Friday that the terms of the settlement prevented her from discussing details.
But he insisted that all workers, men and women, were well treated.
"Let me just say this and, in the strongest possible way, I've always treated every employee with dignity and respect, always," said Moody in a statement. "It's just outrageous to suggest that my company does not offer opportunities to women."
The 2006 complaint states that Moody told Hayward: "I know you gave me 210% of yourself, but you will not be able to do the job now that you have" a child. He also states that Moody claimed that Hayward's responsibilities had changed due to motherhood.
Hayward did not respond to a request for comment sent via email by the Associated Press.
Surrounded by employees and family members in Gorham, Moody suggested Friday that Hayward's dismissal had nothing to do with her pregnancy or single motherhood. "Honestly, we have never let anyone go to this company for reasons other than those related to performance," he said.
One of her workers, herself a single mother, congratulated the company owned by her employees for her flexibility when she needed time with her child.
The complaint indicates that Moody hired a man to fill the Hayward position and that at the time, only four or five employees out of about 50 were women. The company said that there were now 200 employees, including about 25 women. Six of the women are in management positions.
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