City concludes claim of 'toxic workplace' is unfounded

A lawyer retained by the city saysaccusations by Windsor's former lead auditor are false.

During her tenure as auditor general, Angela Berry described an abusive and "toxic workplace," which she said forced her to leave her job.

Berry wrote a letter last year to city administration, citing "a long and terrible history" of workplaceharassment and "mobbing."She claimed she reported many of her concerns, but they were ignored.

So Berry hired a lawyer and filed a formal harassment complaint at the city.

In a letter, Berry explained she was absent from work for about a month because of a work-related injury. She claimed it was caused by abuse endured over long-term exposure to an adverse work environment.

The city retained its own lawyer and investigated. It was found that Berry'sallegationswere "unproven and unfounded," according to the city.

Helga Reidel, the city's chief administrative officer, said there is no evidence to validate Berry's accusations.

All this comes as council gets ready to decide whether to disband the audit committee and outsource the work of the former auditor general.

It would follow what London does.

A few councillors don't want the auditor general's functions outsourced. The issue will be discussed at next Monday night's city council meeting.