Retaliation Hits Home

Post date: Jul 14, 2016 10:5:30 PM

Companies around the nation have shelled out on average more than $700,000 per year just on retaliation claims. A small town in New Jersey has had to pay two DPW employees on more than one occasion to settle claims of harassment and a hostile work environment. A funeral home in Florida will pay $85,000 and spend more on resources after reaching a settlement with the EEOC to address the severe misconduct of two of its employees against female staff. The EEOC found the owner and a manager at McWhite's funeral home engaged in severe sexual harassment and then took hostile action against female staff who complained. Sexual harassment, termination based on sex and retaliation all violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is important that companies have clearly defined policies and procedures especially one relating to harassment. In meeting the standard expected by the EEOC it is imperative that companies engage their employees at all levels with the proper training and resources available to them should they feel they've been discriminated against. Now is the time to check your employee handbook to ensure your company has taken the steps to protect your business and your people. For more info: https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/5-23-16.cfm