EEOC sues Windsor Inn for Exposing Employees to Workplace Misconduct
Maryland – The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Windsor Inn on behalf of a female employee who alleged sexual harassment and retaliation for reporting the unethical behavior. The EEOC reported the owner of the restaurant sexually harassed and assaulted a female employee. According to the sexual harassment allegations, no one took action against the owner for his behavior.
The EEOC confirmed the owner of Windsor Inn violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of color, race, gender, sex, religion, and national origin. The sexual harassment allegations also explained the work environment became so unbearable that the victim departed from the workplace.
As a result of the sexual harassment allegations, the EEOC ordered R.V. Associates, Windsor Inn, to pay $200k in monetary damages. Windsor Inn must also hire an independent monitor for future claims regarding sexual harassment. Surprisingly, the outcome of these sexual harassment allegations will not be a shock to victims of sexual harassment considering this victory is overdue.
According to previous sexual harassment allegations filed in January 2016 by the EEOC in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland Baltimore Division, a female was exposed to severe and pervasive sexual harassment. The EEOC alleged the owner of the restaurant raped and coerced the female employee to provide him with oral sex. The workplace misbehavior reportedly occurred in the owner’s office in the presence of a handgun. Criminal sexual conduct is illegal, and perpetrators could face jail time in addition to employment damages for their actions.
The EEOC claims other women in the workplace were subjected to unwanted physical contact, sexual favors, and sexual joking. For example, Keysha Costley, a female employee named in the sexual harassment case, allegedly experienced workplace suspension as a form of retaliation for declining the owner’s “sexual advances.”
The EEOC believes, “All employees, female and male, have the right to earn a living without being subjected to blatant physical and verbal harassment.” As a U.S. federal agency enforcing employment laws, the EEOC strives to keep employees protected.
Sexual Harassment exists in the Restaurant industry
The EEOC Philadelphia District director reiterated the severity of sexual harassment in employment is out of control and highlighted that sexual misconduct is present in restaurants. Various female employees have reported that their managers would try to convince them to touch their private parts, go to private locations together, and accept being touched inappropriately. One unidentified female claims she experienced being sexually grabbed every time she entered the walk-in cooler.
The sexual harassment is so horrendous that it appears to be a reality to some employees. Women who were victims have begun to joke about sexual harassment and assault as a way to cope with their personal experiences. When individuals are asked, “Why did you let it go on for so long?” They revert back to their personal financial situations and being unable to afford to lose their job. If you have ever been in a predicament regarding workplace sexual harassment with no escape, you should seek a sexual harassment lawyer to assist you with your case.
Seek a Sexual Harassment Lawyer
The EEOC aims to enforce employment laws in work environments for the greater good of employees and the company as a whole. Sexual harassment lawyers interact with victims of workplace misconduct on a personal level designed to attain justice for them.
If you have experienced sexual harassment in the restaurant industry in New York City, Miami, New Jersey, or Philadelphia, contact our New York, Florida, New Jersey, and Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC. It is our duty to examine your sexual harassment concerns, and deliver a legal solution that benefits you. Call us at 800-807-2209 for a free consultation.
