Five former employees allege Edmonton construction firm ignored sexual misconduct in 'poisoned' workplace

WARNING: This article contains graphic content and may affect those who have experienced​ ​​​sexual violence or know someone affected by it.

Five women are suing a prominent Edmonton home construction company for a combined $6.2 million, alleging a company partner's sexual misconduct created a "poisoned" work environment where employees were subjected to harassment and complaints about workplace safety were ignored.

The claims allege that Coventry Homes failed to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct against sales director Robin Nasserdeen, even after he was charged by Edmonton police for sexually assaulting an employee — and that others who expressed concern about his conduct were pushed out of the company.

Each claim alleges that Coventry Homes fostered an unsafe work environment where employees were exposed to "harassment, sexual harassment, unwanted sexual solicitation, bullying, and discriminatory conduct."

Nasserdeen denies the allegations in the civil suits and the allegation of sexual assault he faces in criminal court. A lawyer for Coventry Homes declined to comment.

Two of the women who seek damages allege they were sexually abused by Nasserdeen. They name him individually in their claims and allege the company's negligence allowed for his misconduct. 

The other three plaintiffs allege they were pushed out of their jobs for raising concerns about Nasserdeen's behaviour and how the company was handling the allegations against him.

"Nasserdeen was an unfit executive but was provided with significant power and independence to oversee his female subordinates," read the statements of claim from the two alleged victims of sexual abuse.

Nasserdeen, 42, is a primary shareholder in Coventry Homes, which has built hundreds of homes across the greater Edmonton area since it was established in 1976.

The company, one of the largest new home builders in the city, is involved in charitable partnerships and sponsorships, including with the Edmonton Oilers. Nasserdeen often serves as the face of the company, appearing in advertisements and interviews.

Matthew Fisher, a Toronto lawyer who specializes in employment law, says the allegations against Nasserdeen and Coventry Homes are egregious and, if proven, could be precedent-setting for workplace misconduct cases across Canada.

"The allegations that are made here suggest an organization that had some very, very serious problems from the top," he said. "Companies need to realize, regardless of of the seniority of their employees, everybody has to follow the rules."

Nasserdeen's criminal trial could clear the way for a civil finding of liability, Fisher said.

"If the criminal trial finds guilt, I think there would be very little difficulty in showing that this workplace environment is not one that anyone should expect to endure," he said.