Iain Withers

LONDON, (Reuters) – A former employee of the bank claims that the London branch of Canada’s Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce was operating a degrading and hostile environment for women.

Zhuofang Wei worked for CIBC as an executive Director for close to two years, from 2018 through 2020. In her lawsuit, CIBC is seeking 800,000 pounds ($1,000,000) in damages and lost earnings. Zhuofang Wei alleges that she was the victim of sexual and racial discrimination at work by her managers.

Wei claimed that she was fired by CIBC on March 2020 because she refused to accept a new position without an increase of pay.

According to a defense document that the bank provided to Reuters, CIBC denies all Wei’s claims of discrimination. It said that her role had been made redundant when her responsibilities were significantly less.

A spokesperson said that CIBC was committed to a fair and respectful work environment and took any concern raised by a member of the team seriously. We investigate all issues raised via our confidential hotline and any other means of escalation thoroughly before taking appropriate action.

“This matter is before the courts. We are unable at this point to comment.”

Wei’s claim to be heard in London by the Employment Tribunal this month. A decision is expected within weeks.

In the aftermath of #MeToo, sexual discrimination at work is now under more scrutiny. There have been allegations of misconduct in a variety of fields, including business and global entertainment.

Wei claims that CIBC London’s office had an innuendo quotation book. This was allegedly where staff were encouraged and voted on during the Christmas party.

China-born Wei also claimed that she was discriminated against on numerous occasions. She claims that one bank senior executive asked her twice to care for his kids. Wei claims she was also made sexual comments about Wei’s appearance and that of at least three other female colleagues.

CIBC, in its defense document, denied Wei’s allegations that London’s office had a discriminatory atmosphere and said she wasn’t subject to harassment relating her gender or race.

RELOCATION POST-BREXIT

Wei had been offered a job in CIBC’s Luxembourg office following Brexit, but she claims that they did not offer her a raise to compensate for the increased responsibilities.

Wei was meant to combine the roles of chief operating officer and chief risk officer – which CIBC told regulators would likely command salaries of 330,000 euros and 225,000 euros respectively – but was told she would remain on her existing base salary of 206,000 euros, she alleges.

She claims that several of the Luxembourg’s white workers were allowed to negotiate their salary, and at least two men, including the new chief executive, received raises.

CIBC argued that regulators had submitted estimates of the salaries. Additionally, it stated that all relocating personnel should be paid equal amounts but convert from pounds to euro. The bank stated in its defense document that any changes made to the pay of other employees were based on their particular circumstances.