Tim Willert
CIVIC CENTER -- A city employee alleging sexual harassment has
resigned from her job, while two other city workers have jointly filed a
discrimination lawsuit against the city of Burbank, according to
documents and authorities.
Tina Staffon, a senior video production associate in her mid-30s who
has worked with the city since November 1987, resigned from her post
Thursday, said her private attorney, Bradley Gage.
"Because of the hostile work environment and the stress, it got to be
too much for Tina," Gage said. Staffon has been on medical leave since
Dec. 18, 2000.
Staffon's resignation follows her filing this week of a charge of
discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which
alleged sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation by Public
Information Officer Peter Musurlian.
In the claim, a copy of which was obtained by the Burbank Leader,
Staffon alleged that for the past year she has been subjected to
"constant harassment" that included "comments regarding my ability to do
my job, viewing pornography on our department computer, inappropriate
cartoons and having my work duties taken away from me."
Staffon claimed she also has been subjected to sexual harassment
"which creates a hostile and offensive work environment."
John Nicoll, the city's management services director, did not return
several calls made Thursday seeking comment about Staffon.
Gage, who also represents city employees Deborah McMurray and Marjorie
George, filed a discrimination lawsuit on their behalf last week in Los
Angeles Superior Court.
In their lawsuit, the plaintiffs claimed discrimination and alleged
they were denied promotions because of their age and gender.
McMurray, 54, is a revenue officer who has worked with the city for
four years and is on leave, Gage said.
George, a 63-year-old administrative officer in the Park, Recreation
and Community Services Department, was hired by Burbank in 1987. George
is still at work, Gage said.
Burbank City Atty. Dennis Barlow refused to comment on the lawsuit
Thursday.
Both women are undergoing testing for possible heart conditions
allegedly brought on by the stress endured in the alleged hostile working
environment, according to the lawsuit. The suit also mentioned Staffon
suffered from stress and strain and that McMurray has required
psychological care and treatment.
In an attempt to escape her job with the city, McMurray sought
employment with the city of Glendale and tested well, but believes she
was not hired "because of a false and negative reference by members of
the city of Burbank," according to the lawsuit.
George, who is African American, alleged she "has been the victim of
disparate treatment in compensation, terms, conditions and privileges of
employment because of her race." So does McMurray, who is Caucasian, but
associated with African Americans -- including George -- and Latinos.
