SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that Salum Revilla Enterprises LLC, doing business as Achiote Restaurant, will pay $27,500 to settle allegations of male-on-male class sexual harassment and retaliation.
In addition to the monetary relief, Achiote Restaurant must revises its anti-harassment practices and provide annual training for all employees and managers on anti-discrimination policies.
"We commend this employer for agreeing to implement comprehensive remedial relief to foster a discrimination-free workplace going forward," Anna Y. Park, EEOC's regional attorney for the Los Angeles District, which oversees San Diego, said. "Small businesses are encouraged to ensure they know EEO laws. EEOC is particularly mindful of protecting young vulnerable workers from harassment and retaliation like the ones in this case."
According to the EEOC, the restaurant subjected young, male Mexican-American workers to sexual harassment. An employee secretly videotaped these workers in the bathroom, the EEOC charged. When one victim complained, he was purportedly demoted.
"Retaliation claims are on the rise, comprising 45 percent of all EEOC charges filed nationally,” Christopher Green, director of EEOC's San Diego Local Office said. “It is imperative for employers to effectively stop and remedy workplace harassment and ensure that workers who report it do not suffer retaliation."