Auto Parts Distributor to Pay $175,000 to Settle EEOC Sex Harassment Lawsuit

Source: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

PHOENIX – An auto parts distributor agreed to pay $175,000 to five former employees and to implement preventive measures as part of a settlement of a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced.

In its suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, the EEOC charged the company subjected female employees to egregious sexual harassment by the then-Regional Director. The EEOC’s allegations included the Director sexually assaulted several of the women and engaged in unwelcome touching and indecent exposure. He made sexually explicit comments to the women and showed pictures of his private parts to several of them. Although the company knew about the sexually hostile work environment caused by its regional director, the company failed to take prompt and effective corrective action.

Sexual harassment violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The EEOC filed suit after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process.

“This was an outrageous case of sexual harassment involving a supervisor who preyed upon vulnerable female employees, subjecting them to some of the most extreme forms of sexual harassment,” said EEOC Regional Attorney Mary J. O’Neill. “We hope this settlement sends a message to employers that the EEOC will act to ensure compliance with the law.”

In addition to the settlement requiring the company to pay $175,000 to the female victims, the company will provide significant remedial relief. The company must not rehire the then-Director; must investigate any further complaints of sexual harassment promptly; provide training for managers and supervisors on conducting sexual harassment investigations; post a notice that harassment of company employees will not be tolerated; and provide a letter of regret to each of the victims.

EEOC Phoenix District Director Rayford O. Irvin said, “Employers must take seriously their obligations under the law to provide a workplace free from sexual harassment.”

The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.

Sexual harassment liability is on the rise. Now is the time to protect your company with anti-harassment training. Contact Berkshire Associates Inc. at 800.882.8904 or email bai@berkshireassociates.com to find out more.