Whittel & Melton Secures $80,000 Settlement for Sexually Harassed Bartender

March 8, 2019

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Whittel & Melton secured an $80,000 settlement for a female bartender who was sexually harassed at an Italian restaurant in Orlando for over two years before being fired after complaining to the restaurant’s owner.

The bartender was regularly asked to go on dates, described to restaurant patrons as single and available to date them, subjected to sexual innuendo, and told to dress “sexy” and “date-ready,” among other things.

Under the settlement, the restaurant must conduct mandatory anti-harassment training for all employees and operate a telephone hotline for employees to report incidents of discrimination and harassment.

Sexual harassment in the workplace can affect both men and women, and may include some of the following actions:

• Touching an employee or coworker inappropriately
• Promising a raise or promotion in exchange for sexual or romantic activities
• Engaging in uninvited “x-rated” conversations
• Unwarranted provocative gestures

Sexual harassment can be a traumatic experience that not everyone is comfortable talking about. However, if you are experiencing such illegal behavior at work, you do not need to suffer in silence. Our Florida Sexual Harassment Attorneys at Whittel & Melton know that coming forward with a sexual harassment complaint is not easy. That is why we will be there for you and guide you through the legal process, so that the wrongdoer is held accountable for their unlawful behavior.

If you have reported instances of sexual harassment to your HR department or management and your claims have been ignored or continued, your case becomes much stronger. We here to help if you have been the victim of sexual harassment throughout the state of Florida. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.