The
EEOC announced a class litigation settlement against Hometown Buffet,
Inc., on behalf of teens and Latinas who were subjected to a sexually
hostile workplace, including verbal and physical abuse, in violation of
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Specifically, the EEOC
alleged that Hometown Buffet failed to prevent and tolerated a pattern
of ongoing sexual harassment in which male managers, supervisors, and
co-workers subjected female employees to a sexually hostile workplace,
including groping, hugging, kissing, sexual advances, and stalking
employees outside the workplace. One female victim was allegedly raped
by a male co-worker. The EEOC further alleged that due to the female
employees' young age and/or lack of English proficiency, a breakdown in
the company's complaint process failed to adequately remedy the sexual
harassment.
In addition to a monetary settlement of $710,000,
the two-year consent decree resolving the matter will also ensure the
implementation of measures to prevent and remedy sexual harassment at
the company's El Cajon location. These measures include annual training
for employees, managers, and supervisors regarding sexual harassment
and retaliation; a formal complaint procedure with close tracking of
any future complaints; and, providing annual reports to the EEOC
regarding future complaints and remedial action.
"Sexual
assaults are increasingly becoming more commonplace in sexual
harassment cases," said EEOC Regional Attorney Anna Y. Park of the
agency's Los Angeles District Office. "During this economic downturn,
it is more important than ever for employers to actively ensure a
workplace free of hostility.
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