Del Taco workers to get $1.25 million in a sexual harassment lawsuit
Sexual harassment continues to remain a problem in the restaurant industry, particularly in the fast-food space. McDonald’s, arguably the biggest name in fast food, has faced many sexual harassment complaints from its workers over the years. Another fast-food chain, Del Taco, recently agreed to pay its former employees a $1.25 million settlement in a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) sued Del Taco in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Female employees at several of the chain’s California locations endured various forms of “almost daily” sexual harassment from male managers and coworkers, the complaint said.
According to the federal agency’s lawsuit, female employees at a Del Taco store in Rancho Cucamonga suffered sexual harassment in the form of lewd comments, unwanted physical contact and propositions for sex. The EEOC alleged the harassment was so rampant that other workers felt it was acceptable behavior and engaged in it, too.
When the employees reported the unwanted behavior to human resources, Del Taco did not take any steps to address the complaints or stop the harassment. Instead, workers faced retaliation, including having their hours cut or being forced to quit due to the continued harassment.
Periodic training and a strong system for reporting misconduct are essential to maintaining a healthy, professional workplace culture. Under the settlement terms, Del Taco is required to revise company policies on harassment, discrimination and retaliation. Workers will receive training on anti-discrimination laws, with a focus on sexual harassment. The employer must also create a process for employees to report inappropriate workplace behavior.
Nobody should have to tolerate sexual harassment at work. At Erlich Law Firm, we understand the difficulties employees face when coming forward with complaints about workplace harassment. Our skilled employment lawyers are available to discuss your situation and answer all your questions. Call today for a free consultation.
Read more
Janitorial Company Pays Millions to California Workers Over Misclassification
Many California workers may not realize they are entitled to more legal protections than their job title suggests. This is especially true in industries where companies rely on complicated business models that…
Insights from the Costco Lawsuit: How Medical Leave and Reasonable Accommodations Intersect in California
When a medical crisis hits, workers often assume their employer will follow the law, offer support and make reasonable accommodations. But what happens when the company’s leave policy limits clash with California…
When Algorithms Make the Decisions: What Workers Should Know About AI and Employment Discrimination
Hiring practices have changed dramatically in the last decade. Many job seekers today never speak to a person during the early stages of applying for work. Instead, they interact with software platforms…
Can AI Be Biased? What California Workers Should Know About the New Rules for Hiring Technology
Artificial intelligence has become a major player in the workplace, especially in hiring. Whether you realize it or not, many employers now use automated tools to screen resumes, rank candidates and even…
SEEN ON
