Immokalee, FL- DiMare Ruskin, a Florida-based grower has settled a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit with the EEOC and two women who claimed they were abused by supervisors.
DiMare settled the lawsuit agreeing to pay the two women $150,000. The produce company also agreed to institute nationwide anti-harassment polocies which includes new procedures to file complaints, anti-harassment training; and they will be required to report any discrimination complaints to the EEOC for three years.
The two women, who filed the suit, allege that supervisors and co-workerssexually harassed them during the three month growing period in 2008-2009. One of the women was repeatedly solicited for sex by a supervisor who said she would regret refusing his advances because he was "well-endowed."
The other female complainant was frequently groped and taunted by male field workers.
When they complained to the company about the misconduct they were fired. Retaliation, though illegal is far too common in the workplace. When this happens, the victims often have little recourse other than filing a complaint with the EEOC or retaining a sexual harassment attorney, who can often obtain a larger settlement.
Female farm workers are increasingly subjected to a hostile work environment through sexual misconduct. In the most egregious cases, women report being raped and sexually assaulted by their superiors. These women are particularly vulnerable to abuse because many of them are illegal immigrants and are reluctant to report the incidents.
Robert Weiser, regional attorney for the EEOC said, “Sexual harassment against women in the agriculture industry is a big problem. DiMare Ruskin took a major step in the right direction by agreeing to establish nationwide policies and procedures designed to prevent sexual harassment in the future, and to provide a means for employees to complain when they feel they are being subjected to it.”
