What are my rights at work when my boss harasses me?
Seapod Pawnbrokers will pay $300,000 as part of a settlement with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Operating stores in Brooklyn and Queens, the company was charged with harassing and retaliating against its Hispanic female employees.
Seapod’s former owner and manager was accused of harassing workers based on their sex, race and ethnicity and firing them if they complained. These violations of federal law were the subject of an EEOC lawsuit. The pawn shop owner allegedly referred to his mostly Hispanic female employees as his “Seapod bitches” and his “whipping slaves.” He also allegedly sexually harassed the women and fired some of them when they resisted or complained.
The EEOC filed suit after trying unsuccessfully to settle the case. A four-year consent decree resolved the case on various terms, including the EEOC monitoring Seapod’s employment practices throughout the four years.
Monetary damages in the amount of $300,000 will be paid to the victims. The owner is forbidden from having any association with the company and cannot enter its stores or contact its employees. Going forward, Seapod must revise its policies for complaints and investigation and inform its employees about the changes. Seapod is also required to provide all employees annual anti-harassment and anti-retaliation training.
The EEOC has a Strategic Enforcement Plan identifying six national priorities that include preventing harassment in the workplace and protecting vulnerable workers. The agency is responsible for enforcing federal laws against employment discrimination.
If you have experienced employment discrimination or wrongful termination, Thomas M. Lancia PLLC can help. He has been zealously advocating for clients in New York, New York, for more than 20 years. Call him today at (212)964-3157 for a consultation.