New York Sexual Harassment Lawyer Blog

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) settled a lawsuit on behalf of an employee of one of McDonald’s New Jersey restaurants. McDonald’s USA will pay $50,000 for the settlement.

The EEOC charged that McDonald’s USA unlawfully subjected one of its employees to sexual harassment. The employee’s supervisor made offensive comments to him while hugging and spanking the employee in front of the staff.

Besides paying the victim $50,000 in damages, McDonald’s USA consented to implement EEOC guidelines which includes the training of all McDonald’s employees and for the restaurants to display EEOC notices and posters.

Elizabeth Grossman, the EEOC Acting New York District Director said “The EEOC takes very seriously allegations of sexual harassment involving teenagers because many of them are in the workplace for the first time and don’t know how to complain, especially when the harasser is their supervisor.”

Hewlett-Packard C.E.O. Mark V. Hurd was ousted from his executive position last month after the accusation of sexual harassment by HP marketing consultant Jodie Fisher.

Although it was generally known Hurd preferred to do business on his own, reports state that he enjoyed Fisher’s company at lunches and dinners. Hurd also allegedly approved HP’s payments of $1,000 to $10,000 for Fisher to attend company events, in which Hurd would take her out to dinner afterward. It is alleged that Mr. Hurd attempted to hide his relationship with Ms. Fisher from the executive board.

HP hired a consulting firm to investigate the sexual harassment accusation. The independent firm concluded that no inappropriate action was taken by Hurd professionally or ethically.

A recent New York Times article was published detailing The Chicago Tribune as “frat house” of lurid and profane behavior in the workplace.

The article gives anecdotes from many aggrieved former employees who were victims of the company’s work environment. It is reported that the current CEO of the company, had amended the employee handbook to loosen the definition of harassment in the work place.

These issues are very significant as sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination are widely prevalent in many organizations, in many industries.

The article can be found here.

A major veterinary center is being sued for sexual harassment and retaliation by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of six female employees for actions of one of its co-owners.

At least six female employees were subjected to vulgar and offensive comments. The co-owner often called them “worthless” and “whores.”

The co-owner also fired at least three of the victims and forced others to quit after they made their complaints, which could be retaliatory. The EEOC is seeking compensatory, punitive, and injunctive relief against the company.

Additional information is available here.

The NFL investigation into the allegations that Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre sent inappropriate photos and messages to a female New York Jets employee continues. Once the investigation is complete the league will make a determination as to whether Favre should be punished for his actions.

According to various reports, Favre allegedly left voicemails and texted lewd photos to Jenn Sterger, who worked for Jets at the time and now works for Versus, and two female massage therapists who worked part-time for the team. ESPN reports that neither Jenn Sterger nor the two massage therapists have been interviewed yet as to their allegations.

If Favre is found to have violated the league’s personal conduct policy, Faver could face a fine and/or suspension for his conduct.

Additional information regarding sexual harassment can be found here.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) will secure a settlement on behalf of Ora L. Borrell for the sexual harassment and subsequent retaliation she endured during her employment with Bardon, Inc.

Incidents of sexual harassment included public urination by other employees in her presence, explicit sexual comments and requests, and touching and grabbing against her will. Borrell was eventually terminated by the company in retaliation for her complaints.

This case is a further demonstration of the prevalence of sexual harassment and retaliation in the workplace.

Additional information regarding this matter can be found here.

A Crime Victims Rights Board Member resigned after allegedly sending sexually harassing text messages.

These messages were allegedly sent to a victim of domestic violence while prosecuting the boyfriend of the victim. The Board is currently under fire for not investigating and ultimately taking action against the perpetrator.

The board claims that the applicable state law in this case prevented the board from further investigating the allegations.

Additional information regarding this matter can be found here.