Jack In The Box Sued For Sexual Harassment
Jack in the Box is being sued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") for sexual harassment beacuse of frequent remarks about female employees' anatomy and unwelcome sexual advances and innuendoes. According to the lawsuit a manager is also accused of touching the victims inappropriately. The EEOC alleges that once management became aware of the sexual harassment and discriminatory conduct it failed to act and stop it.
Richard Bartels, the manager of Jack in the Box was named in the lawsuit. The name of the co-worker was not released. Another co-worker was allegedly sexually harassed and called the EEOC. The EEOC investigated the claims and filed the lawsuit on behalf of the workers once it was clear Jack in the Box would not settle the case. According to court papers one victim allegedly experienced sexual harassment for more than a year.
EEOC District Director Michael Baldonado of San Francisco said the alleged sexual harassment started in January 2007 by a co-worker and was continued by the manager in February 2007.
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I see many instances of sexual harassment in fast food environments. Managers feel impowered to control employees and many times the employees are largely female. Additionally because of the nature of the layout of restaurants, many times the sexual harassment can go unnoticed by other employee. It is very important to speak with an experienced employment lawyer who concentrates on sexual harassment to discuss your issues early and as soon as they occur. Even though the EEOC does an excellent job, you won't get the kind of personal attention that a private attorney can give.
