Hamilton councillor Terry Whitehead loses pay for bullying, harassment

Hamilton city councillor Terry Whitehead has been docked 45 days pay after an integrity probe found he harassed staff and councillor Judi Partridge. This is the second time the integrity commissioner has found Whitehead bullied staff.

The integrity commissioner says evidence revealed in their investigation found, “a repeated pattern of unacceptable bullying and harassing behaviour directed at particular staff.”

One of the complaints involved an online chat where the report noted a warning from Whitehead to councillor Judi Partridge that said in part: “Throwing mud is not productive and certainly something you might want to rethink on someone that has nothing to lose !!!!!!!'”

Partridge had this message for others who may be going through similar experiences, “it happens to a lot of people, and if a lot of people don’t step up and say anything then you think it’s only happening to you and that’s the wrong message. So, be brave, have courage and step out there.”

The report by a third-party consultant, Principles Integrity also found that Whitehead’s interactions with the city clerk and a phone message to the head of human resources were threatening.

Today council voted to accept the recommendations by the integrity commissioner which means the Ward 14 councillor will lose 45 days of pay.

CHCH News requested an interview with Whitehead but his automated email response indicated he’s on sick leave.