An Antigua resort has been ordered to pay more than EC$29,000 to a former receptionist who was fired nearly three decades ago for refusing to change his hairstyle.
The Industrial Court ruled that Mill Reef Club’s 1998 dismissal of Andre Thomas breached his constitutional rights and violated principles of good industrial relations.
Thomas, who had worked at the resort for six years, was suspended and later dismissed after a new European manager demanded he alter his appearance.
The court noted there had been no complaints about his hairstyle and that the resort had no formal grooming policy.
Judges found the termination “frivolous and extreme,” criticising the resort for denying union representation and failing to investigate the matter. The club’s destruction of employment records also weakened its defence during proceedings, which began in 2011.
Thomas was awarded EC$29,325.60 in compensation, including lost income, damages, and legal costs. Mill Reef Club must pay the amount by 17 November 2025.
