Ann Watson, the best boss in Citibank in London, was fired after she said something shocking in a job interview. During an online meeting for a new role inside the bank, she told Kapil, Indian the interviewer that her project had failed because she worked with the Indians.
“No insult to you,” she added, “But you know what the Indians should work with. It’s a nightmare.” The interview was immediately stopped and she was placed in the virtual waiting room. When she restarted, she told Kapil, “Now it’s your chance to get me back.” A month later, Citi fired her for these comments.
Health problems accuse for forgotten words
Watson, who was 55 years old, is now suing Citi. She claims that her fire was unfair and discriminated against the bank. Why? She says she suffered from menopause and long Covid at that time.
These health problems have caused “brain fog” and memory loss, so she does not remember that she has made these notes about Indian workers. Although he now says I am sorry now, she claims that Citi has not cared for her 12 years of service or her health struggles. “I was terrified,” she said, adding that she never blamed culture for job failure.
Citi stands firmly against discrimination
Citibank does not leave. It is said that Watson’s health problems are not excused by racist behavior. After a fair investigation, she was fired at “gross misconduct”. The bank lawyers insist that menopause and Long Covid could not get someone to say such things.
Citi employs more than 32,000 people in India, its second largest workforce in the US and takes discrimination seriously. The best leaders such as Vis Raghavan (Bank Head) and Anand Selvakesari (COO) are of Indian origin and show the key role of the country in Citi.
This court in London could change the way the companies solve health problems and discrimination. Watson’s lawyers say menopause is a protected disability under British law, so the burning of its rules of equality. Experts say the result could affect how bosses treat menopause or long symptoms of Covid around the world.
Meanwhile, Citi faces control over the culture of the workplace, especially after he promises to improve diversity after protests in Black Lives Matter. The result will decide whether Watson will receive compensation and whether health fights can ever justify offensive notes.
(Tagstotranslate) Citi
