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The Great EEOC Roundup: February Edition


As always, there are some EEOC cases that jump out at me when I review developments on that front.  Below are a couple EEOC cases and settlements that stand out.



Earlier this month, the EEOC announced a settlement had been reached with Llanerch Country Club ("LCC") after the employer agreed to pay $30,000.00 to settle an age discrimination lawsuit.  The suit arose out of a claim that LCC began to treat its oldest groundskeeper in the grounds maintenance department differently than younger workers.  LCC was apparently laying the oldest groundskeeper off during the winter season.  As recently as December of 2016, the oldest groundskeeper was laid off for the winter but was later informed he would not be recalled or rehired in 2017 because LCC was "looking to take the staff in a younger direction".  Less than three weeks later, LCC hired nine other groundskeepers that were significantly younger.  This conduct violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act which protects workers age 40 and over from employment discrimination because of their age, including discrimination in the terms and conditions of employment and employment and in discharge and hiring decisions.


Systematic Sex Discrimination Suit Filed Against American Freight Furniture and Mattress

The EEOC has filed a systematic sex discrimination suit against American Freight Furniture and Mattress, charging that since 2013 the employer has engaged in a nationwide pattern or practice of discrimination against women and intentionally excluding qualified female applicants from sales and warehouse jobs because of their sex.  Of note, corporate managers instructed store managers to not hire women because women "complain and make trouble".  This alleged conduct, if proven true, would violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.


Multiple Franchisees of IHOP Settle Sexual Harassment & Retaliation Suit For $700,000.00

Several franchisees of IHOP in Nevada and New York faced a lawsuit by the EEOC which charged that these franchisee owners, supervisors, managers, and co-workers subjected female employees to ongoing egregious sexual harassment at restaurant locations in these two states.  The suit alleged the harassment included groping, sending pictures of male genitalia, propositions for sex, viewing of pornography, vulgar comments, and unwanted touching and kissing.  Going one step further, the suit also alleged that instead of the company taking corrective action when the victims complained, the victims were instead retaliated against with many having their work hours reduced or being terminated.  This alleged conduct, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, resulted in these franchisees agreeing to settle the suit for $700,000.00.

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