The number of EEOC settlements and lawsuits involving restaurants so far in fiscal year 2019 spotlights the importance of restaurant businesses taking proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation.
The pervasive problem of workplace harassment affects all types of restaurants, from quick service to fine dining. In a recent press release announcing a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation against a restaurant employee who rejected the repeated sexual advances of the manager/owner, an EEOC district director said, “Sexual harassment and retaliation for opposing sexual harassment are still far too common. Research shows that the cost of harassment and retaliation is incredibly high, as businesses lose valuable employees and productive workplaces when they condone discrimination.”