Pennsylvania Grocery Store Settles Sexual Harassment Lawsuit for $95,000

Country Fresh, a Brownsville grocer has settled a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The lawsuit alleges that Country Fresh Market, LLC created a hostile work environment by knowingly allowing repeated and brazen sexual harassment of female employees working in the meat department. The harassment included unwanted groping and touching, repeated sexual advances and comments.

The lawsuit also alleges that management at the grocery store took no action to stop the harassment and threatened to fire employees for complaining. At least two women were forced to quit because of they could no longer tolerate the behavior.

Country Fresh must pay the four complainants $95,000 in addition to creating a sexual harassment and retaliation reporting procedure and training. Management and supervisors will be required to monitor the workplace and determine if any harassment is still occurring.

Regardless of the laws against sexual harassment, many employees engage in this behavior. It is not only detrimental to the abused employee, but to the workplace in general.  

When a person is repeatedly subjected to sexual harassment, they must first take their issue to management. But should this fail to get results, the victims can end the abuse with the help of a sexual harassment attorney.

If you are under emotional distress because of harassment or have lost necessary wages, a sexual harassment lawyer can seek punitive damages from an employer who fails to protect your rights. Sexual harassment attorneys have the capabilities and knowledge to maximize your final settlement.