Ford Motor Co. to Pay up to $10.1M to Settle EEOC Harassment Case

August 30, 2017

Americans spend more time than ever before at work. Work consumes the vast majority of our time, so a problem in the workplace can have a devastating impact on an employee and their family. This could not be more true when an employee is the victim of sexual harassment, as the case below demonstrates.

Ford Motor Co. has agreed to pay up to $10.125 million to settle an investigation by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over alleged sex and race harassment at two Ford plants, the federal agency announced.

In its investigation, the EEOC found reasonable cause to believe that personnel at two Ford facilities in the Chicago area had subjected female and African-American employees to sexual and racial harassment.

The EEOC also found that the company retaliated against employees who complained about the harassment or discrimination.

Ford chose to voluntarily resolve this issue with the EEOC, without admission of liability, to avoid an extended dispute.

The conciliation agreement provides monetary relief of up to $10.125 million to those who are found eligible through a claims process established by the agreement.

The agreement also ensures that during the next five years, Ford will conduct regular training at two of its Chicago-area facilities; continue to disseminate its anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies and procedures to employees and new hires; report to EEOC regarding complaints of harassment and/or related discrimination; and monitor its workforce regarding issues of alleged sexual or racial harassment and related discrimination.

Sexual harassment can occur in the workplace as what is called hostile work environment sexual harassment, which includes sexual gestures, physical touching, verbal or written sexual remarks, sexual jokes, and displaying sexual pictures. Sexual harassment can also occur when an employee is persuaded to perform sexual favors in return for keeping their job or getting a promotion or other work benefit.

Whatever the form of abuse, sexual harassment is not only demoralizing, but also humiliating. It can have a drastic impact on the lives of victims, causing psychological harm and financial insecurity. No employee should ever have to endure sexual harassment.

At Whittel & Melton, our Florida Sexual Harassment Lawyers understand the dynamics of workplace sexual harassment. We understand that these cases are quite sensitive in nature, and we can develop a strategy to meet your particular goals and circumstances.

For a free consultation, please call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online.