AGREES TO PAY $245,000 AND WILL MODIFY POLICIES AND PRACTICES
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently announced that it had settled a “sexual harassment, retaliation, and constructive discharge lawsuit,” that it had filed against Pacific Culinary Group, and CB Foods, for $245,000.
Apparently, the Chief Operating Officer allegedly subjected both male and female employees to “frequent and offensive groping and touching; unwelcome sexual advances and comments about their appearances; and inappropriate questions about employees’ sexual preferences and sexual activities.”
While complaints were filed, because the companies allegedly failed to take appropriate responsive action, some workers were compelled to quit, while others experienced retaliation, such as termination of their employment.
Believing that such conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Pacific Culinary Group, Inc. et al., Case No. 2:23-cv-03018 FLA [MARx]) in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief.
In addition to the $245,000 payment, the companies agreed to modify their employment related polices and practices, and will, among other things, offer new training on discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and will institute improved complaint and reporting procedures.
By way of a written statement, Anna Park, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles District Office noted that, “The EEOC brought this case to defend the rights of vulnerable workers to be free of sexual harassment, particularly where language barriers have been used to deter complaints …. Employers must ensure that complaint mechanisms are accessible to all workers and take appropriate steps to address harassment towards vulnerable workers.”
While Patricia Kane, the EEOC’s acting Los Angeles district director, added, “This settlement sends a strong message that the EEOC will vigorously enforce federal laws against sexual harassment and retaliation.”
That COO’s goose sure got cooked there …
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