October 29, 2017
To avoid an extended dispute, the Detroit-based Ford Motor Company has voluntarily agreed to pay up to $10.125 million in a sexual and racial harassment settlement, albeit without any admission of liability. Charges were filed on behalf of a group of workers at its Assembly Plant and its Stamping Plant, both in Chicago.
In its investigation, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission , who advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination, found legitimate grounds to believe African-American female employees were repeatedly subjected to sexual and racial harassment and that the company retaliated against those who filed complaints.
Information as to how many employees claimed they experienced harassment or when the incidents were alleged to have occurred was not made public.
The automaker, who employs 5,500 workers between both plants , claimed it took appropriate steps in handling the matter, including disciplin ary actions and the firing of employees who violated Ford’s anti-harassment policy , after having conducted an investigation of their own.
Although they declined to discuss details, the automaker said employees deemed eligible to receive settlement money will be determined through a claims process as per the agreement established between Ford and the EEOC. Those entitled to the monetary relief include African-American males as well as women, all of whom began working at the plant after Jan. 1, 2010.
Terms of the agreement include that for the next five years, Ford will oversee training at both its Chicago plants; the company will report complaints of discrimination and any sexual harassment to the EEOC; the company will continue teaching established anti-discrimination and anti-harassment protocols to current and new employees; and the company will monitor all personnel for compliance. The automaker will also work closely with the EEOC in addressing complaints of harassment and discrimination at both Chicago plants and to enforce protocol intended to prevent harassment or promptly address it whenever such complaints arise.
Racial and sexual harassment is prohibited by federal law, including Title VII and similar statutes. If you have been the victim of this type of mistreatment, our attorneys can advise you of the proper legal steps to take.
