INDIANAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Jan. 8 that Indi’s Fast Food Restaurant Inc., a restaurant chain in Louisville, will pay $340,000 to 15 former female employees after allegations of sexual harassment.
The EEOC alleged the 15 employees, some of whom were teenagers during their employment, were subjected to sexual harassment by managers at the Indi's Broadway, Cane Run Road, Fern Valley Road, and Poplar Level Road locations in Louisville. Sexual harassment in the workplace violates Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
"No one should have to endure sexual harassment just to pay their rent and feed their families," said EEOC senior trial attorney Aimee L. McFerren. "Protecting vulnerable workers, including low-wage earners and teenagers, is a top priority for the EEOC. We hope this case sends a clear message that the EEOC will hold accountable employers who fail to protect their employees from workplace harassment."
In addition to a monetary penalty, Indi’s must provide the women with letters of apology. The restaurant company must also institute new policies that better comply with anti-discrimination laws.