CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Aug. 15 that Ford Motor Company will pay up to $10.125 million after allegations of sex and race harassment against a group of individuals at two Ford plants.
According to EEOC, female and African-American employees at the Chicago assembly plant and Chicago stamping plant were subjected to sexual and racial harassment by other personnel. EEOC said Ford violated Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act but notes that the auto company chose to voluntarily resolve the issue without admission of liability. In doing so, Ford avoided an extended dispute. The $10.125 million will go toward monetary relief for victims of the alleged harassment.
"Ford Motor Company has worked with the EEOC to address complaints of harassment and discrimination at these two facilities and to implement policies and procedures that will effectively prevent future harassment or provide prompt action when harassment complaints arise," said the EEOC's Chicago District director, Julianne Bowman. "Ford has taken its responsibilities seriously and is committed to providing its employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment."
