Peter's Diner Pays $27, 500 To Settle Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
Peter's Diner and its owner Angelo Giannkaris will pay a total of $27,500 to settle a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit with waitress Lynnann Zuest. It is alleged that Giannkaris sexually harassed Zuest and later fired her in retaliation for reporting it. According to the complaint Zuest was fired after approaching a fellow waitress and reporting that Giannkaris had inappropriately touched her by placing his hands on her hips.
Giannkaris disputed that he fired Zuest for reporting sexual harassment and instead said she was terminated for poor job performance. Giannkaris said Zuest dropped many trays and plates in support of his reason for her dismissal. However during further investigation there was evidence to support Zuest’s allegations and undermine the reasons Giannkaris gave for the firing. Also Peter’s had no policy in place regarding sexual harassment or the filing of workplace harassment complaints. Companies must have sexual harassment and discrimination policies in place so workers no where to go when they encounter workplace discrimination and harassment.
