Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Resolved In Federal Court

A hostile work environment caused by sexual harassment is something that no employee should have to deal with. In fact, that type of situation is against federal laws. One company recently found out just how seriously the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission takes claims of sexual harassment, retaliation and a hostile work environment.

The EEOC filed a case against VXI Global Solutions in federal court. That case was recently resolved when the court approved a settlement that included $600,000 for nine employees, three men and six women, as well as other terms.

The case made by the EEOC included a variety of claims of sexual harassment. The EEOC noted that women were propositioned for sex, subjected to lewd comments and groped. Male employees were subjected to backrubs and lap dances by female supervisors. The men who declined those types of actions had their sexual orientation questioned. Of the complaining employees, at least seven were fired in a retaliatory manner.

As part of the settlement, the company will have to provide training regarding sexual harassment to all the employees in their United States offices, including their Los Angeles office. The company will have to update procedures and policies regarding sexual harassment. It is also being monitored for four years by the EEOC.

No employees should have to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace. These employees chose to take a stand against sexual harassment, retaliation and a hostile work environment. Any employee who is being sexually harassed, retaliated against or subjected to a hostile work environment might opt to take legal action against his or her employer.

Source: San Jose Mercury News, “Call center company settles federal sex harassment suit,” Brian Melley, Sep. 14, 2015