Tuscaloosa, Ala.-based KFC franchisee Jack Marshall Foods Inc. has been ordered to pay a group of about 19 female employees nearly $1.1 million dollars as part of a settlement of a sexual harassment lawsuit, The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced. The franchisee also must provide significant remedial relief to settle the lawsuit.
In its lawsuit, filed on March 25, 2009, the EEOC asserted that Jack Marshall Foods knew about and tolerated a work environment permeated by sexual harassment at its Monroeville, Ala., store. According to the EEOC, the hostile work environment included male employees openly describing their sexual desires and interests with female employees as well as engaging in unwelcome sexual conduct. At least three of the employees were teenagers at the time of their employment.
"Sexual harassment at any workplace is unacceptable," said EEOC chair Jacqueline A. Berrien in a statement. "But when some of the victims are teenagers, as was the case here, the situation is especially egregious. Very young workers can be particularly vulnerable to this sort of abuse, and the EEOC will continue to fight vigorously to protect their right to be free from sex-based discrimination."
In addition to providing monetary relief, Jack Marshall Foods is required to give training to its employees; post a notice of the settlement at the Monroeville store; maintain records of discrimination complaints; and report such complaints to the EEOC, together with any actions taken in response, for 2 1/2 years.
