Major Washington Apple Grower Sued by EEOC for Retaliation Against Employees

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

YAKIMA, Wash. – One of the nation’s largest apple producers violated federal law when its management retaliated against workers for cooperating in a federal discrimination investigation, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced in a recent lawsuit.  This is the agency’s second lawsuit against the company; in June 2010, the EEOC charged female farmworkers were sexually harassed at the grower’s Sunnyside ranch.

The EEOC’s current lawsuit alleges that the former ranch manager, crew leaders, and other employees used intimidation and threats in an attempt to prevent witnesses from participating in its investigation into the sexual harassment case. According to the EEOC, the ranch manager and his associates at the company made it clear that anyone who did cooperate would suffer serious harm. Two workers relocated to another state in fear, the EEOC said.  The agency said the former ranch manager also attempted to coerce one of these witnesses to keep him informed about anyone who continued to speak to the EEOC. 

Retaliation for reporting or assisting in the prosecution of sexual harassment violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  After first attempting to reach a settlement out of court through conciliation, the EEOC filed the lawsuit U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington in Yakima, seeking relief on behalf of the retaliation victims, training on anti-retaliation laws, posting of anti-retaliation notices at the work site and other measures to prevent future violations. The workers are also represented in the lawsuit by the Northwest Justice Project, a not-for-profit law firm providing free assistance and representation to low-income people and communities throughout Washington. 

“From the beginning, this case has been marked by an extraordinary need to prevent intimidation and threats,” said EEOC Regional Attorney William Tamayo.  “We filed suit today as another in a series of emergency measures to ensure the safety of the farmworkers coming forward in this sexual harassment case.” 

Tamayo cited the history of this case: 

When filing its June 2010 lawsuit, the EEOC sought and won a temporary restraining order against the company and specifically against the ranch manager for threatening and retaliating against workers.  At this point, the company terminated the ranch manager, after 36 years of tenure.

In October 2010, citing the “likelihood of irreparable harm” to current and former company employees, the chief judge of U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington in Yakima granted a preliminary injunction against the company and its former manager, and held them accountable for an “environment of intimidation.” 

Tamayo added, “Filing for a temporary restraining order is not a common action for us, and obtaining a preliminary injunction is an extraordinary remedy.  But in this case, we saw an urgent need to do all in our power to protect the farmworkers who had the courage to come forward, and the court apparently agreed.  We hope this lawsuit and the power of the court’s protections will encourage workers to testify with confidence that the law protects them and their jobs.”

According to company information, the company operates 11 ranches, totaling over 7,000 acres, and includes apple orchards and three production facilities, and employs 1,200 - 1,300 seasonal employees in addition to regular staff.

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

To learn more about employment discrimination laws, and how to protect your company from potential liability through effective training and implementation, please contact Berkshire Associates at 800.882.8904 or email bai@berkshireassociates.com.