HR: Sexual Harassment Settlement

In a settlement that appears relatively small in comparison to some, but is significant in several ways for HR Professionals, the EEOC on May 5, 2010 announced a settlement with an Ohio based marketing company.  The settlement was more than $500 million and primarily represented teenage employees.

According to the case, male managers and co-workers both verbally and physically harassed the teenage female workers, making sexual remarks and jokes, and reportedly promising a raise in return for sexual favors..

Comment:  Part of this case revolved around a company with multiple locations -- and the critical need for sexual harassment training.  And perhaps more important, the responsibility of corporate management to ensure that workplace discrimination is prohibited in all (including remote) locations.