The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is a government agency that works to promote fair employment standards and enforce federal laws regarding employment issues. This week the EEOC settled a lawsuit with a restaurant chain for what it called “egregious acts of sexual harassment.”
The suit claimed that female employees were repeatedly subjected to sexual harassment by male employees in the restaurant’s kitchen. The actions the men took included making inappropriate comments, requesting sexual acts from the women, and using vegetables to simulate sexual acts and hitting the victims with the vegetables between their legs.
The fact that the women said they reported the harassment to management, and no action to prevent further harassment or disciplinary action against the perpetrators was taken, makes these claims even more shocking. People should not have to feel uncomfortable at work or be subject to harassment of any kind.
People just want to make an honest living without being subject to harassment, which could make these people feel like they don’t want to go to work every day. Many victims of sexual harassment just want it to end, so they can do their jobs without distraction or the need to have their guard up to protect themselves.
Employers should be held accountable for making sure every employee has a safe work environment where employees feel comfortable going every day. When harassment is brought to management’s attention, it is their responsibility to make sure the harassment stops and retaliation against the employee who reported it is prevented.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal and people who have faced or are facing harassment in Los Angeles might be wise to consult with an employment law attorney. They can help take action to stop the harassment and ensure you have a safe work environment.
Source: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission New Release, “Rafael’s Italian Restaurant Settles EEOC Sexual Harassment Suit,” Jan. 18, 2012