A bin man who shouted a sexually aggressive remark outside a Dundee rape crisis centre during talks about violence against women is facing disciplinary action, it has been revealed.
Dundee City Council launched an investigation following an official complaint from the Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (WRSAC) on Dudhope Street.
Representatives from women’s charities, Angus MSP Mairi Gougeon and the media were gathered outside the centre on Monday to hear about new legislation to help victims of stalking when an offensive and aggressive shout was heard from a passing bin lorry.
As the interviews were being conducted, a local authority bin lorry drove past and a man was heard shouting “f**k them in the p***y”.
A TV interview with Ms Gougeon had to be stopped as a result.
The incident, which took place some time between 10.30am and 11am, was witnessed and confirmed by at least six people.
A source close to the case, who did not wish to be named, confirmed the man was identified by management and is believed to have admitted making the remark.
It is understood further investigations are “in process” and the employee is “being dealt with under council disciplinary procedures”.
However, Dundee City Council did not comment on the matter publicly, with a spokesperson saying that “it would not be appropriate to discuss individual personal matters.”
The local authority’s People Strategy states it requires council employees to apply the organisation’s “core values of fairness and equality”, “treat people with dignity and respect” and “engage and respond positively to the communities we are accountable to”.
The guidelines further state: “We believe that an inclusive workplace, where employees, Dundee citizens and our partners are treated with dignity and respect is everyone’s responsibility.”
Scottish Labour councillor Charlie Malone said that he hopes the administration would deal with the matter “thoroughly”.
He added: “I know the work that WRSAC do and given that they work with some of the most vulnerable people in the city, for anybody to harass them in any way is out of order.
“It is disappointing to hear that this has happened and I hope that the council will deal with this swiftly and thoroughly.”
