EEOC Settles Sexual Harsassment Lawsuit With Electrical Contractor for $175,674
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") and electrical contractor T&D Electric Company of Burlington, N.C., agreed to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit for $175,674. The lawsuit EEOC v. T&D Electric Company of Burlington, Inc., Civil Action No. 1:06cv808, alleged that Tammy Holt and a class of female employees at T&D Electric were subjected to sexual comments, including remarkds about their bodies, clothing, sex acts and touching by the company's co-owner / president.
The alleged T & D Electric knew about the sexual harassment and failed to stop it and that as a result of the sexual harassment, several women were forced to quit their jobs. Sexual harassment in the workplace violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The EEOC filed suit after first attempting to reach a voluntary settlement with the company to eliminate these discriminatory practices.
"Sexual harassment by a company owner is especially egregious," said Lynette A. Barnes, regional attorney for the agency's Charlotte District Office. "Employers have an obligation under federal law to ensure a work environment free from illegal harassment, to promptly investigate complaints, and to take appropriate corrective measures to stop this misconduct."
