New Mexico Labor Federation Ousts Head for Sexual Harassment

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—The New Mexico Federation of Labor announced March 13 that it has ousted its president, Jon Hendry, one day after a second woman filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment. In the first suit, Christa Valdez charged that Hendry had demanded that she send him nude pictures of herself while she was working as a publicist for International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 480 in Santa Fe, where he has been business agent for 17 years, and that he fired her for refusing his advances. In the second, former Local 480 employee Madeleine Lauve alleged that he subjected her to “an explicit quid pro quo for sex.” Hendry declined to comment to either the Albuquerque Journal or the film trade magazine Deadline. “Stories are told about abuse of power, discrimination, sexual abuse, harassment, verbal abuse, bulling, unresolved grievances, job loss due to whistle-blowing, etc. in the workplace,” six Local 480 members said in a statement. “Fear of reprisal prevents many people from sharing these stories.” Local 480’s board will meet Mar. 18 to decide whether to oust Hendry as business agent. Read more