Trans truck driver begins legal action against employers

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • January 23, 2008 - 12:15

Gaynor claims that the discrimination began after she told her bosses, who were ostensibly supportive, about her transition.

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A transsexual who claims she was hounded out of her job as a trucker after she began her transition from her former male gender is seeking thousands of pounds in damages from her former employer.

Vikki-Marie Gaynor, 37, from Wallasey in Wirral, is bringing a sexual discrimination claim against Exel Europe, part of delivery giant DHL, and recruitment agency Blue Arrow.

An employment tribunal in Liverpool is hearing the case.

The ex-soldier claims that initially members of staff at the depot in Kirkby, Merseyside were friendly.

However, once she began coming to work dressed as a woman, other drivers started ignoring her, and began a campaign of harassment, including calling her a 'queer,' dumping her belongings and makeup in a toilet.

Gaynor got her HGV licence through the Royal Corps of Transport as a teenager, and started working with Exel Europe in October 2006, after being recruited through Blue Arrow.

Gaynor claims that the discrimination began after she told her bosses, who were ostensibly supportive, about her transition.

She claims that she was the target of hurtful comments and her shifts were canceled without warning.

Gaynor resigned on March 12th 2007 and has set up a business offering schools and employers workshops and information about transexuality. She intends to undergo gender reassignment surgery.

The employment tribunal continues.

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