SETTLES SEX DISCRIMINATION CLAIMS FOR $265,000
A national grocery chain, known as Sprouts Farmers Market, has agreed to resolve federal sex discrimination charges -- including those of harassment and retaliation -- being investigated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for conduct believed to be violative of federal law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended).Apparently, the company’s location out in San Fernando Valley (California), subjected employees to “sexual harassment” and retaliated against them when complaints were filed.
Without conceding liability, Sprouts has agreed to pay $265,000 to the impacted individuals and has further agreed to retain a Title VII consultant/monitor, will update its policies and practices, and will provide all necessary training on the requirements of law.
In a written statement, Patricia Kane, acting director of the EEOC’s Los Angeles district, noted that “People have the right to work in a harassment-free setting that values input from employees rather than penalizes them for coming forward …. We commend Sprouts for addressing the concerns in this charge and for providing relief for the class. And we encourage employers to review and revise policies and procedures regularly and provide training on harassment to all employees.”
Think that has sprouted true change?
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