Ex-union leader faces harassment lawsuit

By David Waite
Advertiser Courts Writer

An accountant who works for the United Public Workers Union is suing the union, claiming former leader Gary Rodrigues sexually harassed her for a 10-year period beginning in April 1993.

Jeanne Endo, a prime prosecution witness against Rodrigues during his trial last year in federal court on fraud and embezzlement charges, claims Rodrigues "continually sexually harassed" her and created a hostile work environment.

Rodrigues was sentenced Sept. 30 to five years, four months in prison by U.S. District Judge David Ezra, but allowed to remain free while appealing his conviction on more than 100 criminal charges.

He stepped down as head of the 12,000-member union in November after being found guilty of all the charges. He could not be reached yesterday to comment on Endo's lawsuit.

Endo said Rodrigues used his position as state director to harass and humiliate women who worked for the union, and pressured her for sexual favors.

The lawsuit, filed on her behalf by attorney David F. Simons, said Rodrigues retaliated against Endo for rejecting his sexual advances by awarding her smaller pay raises than were given to other people of her rank in the union.

After learning that Endo had filed complaints with the Hawai'i Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Rodrigues further retaliated by ridiculing her in front of union officials and the general membership, according to the lawsuit.

Endo is seeking an unspecified amount in special, general and punitive damages.

Reach David Waite at dwaite@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8030.