ORLANDO — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is suing an Italian restaurant in Orlando, alleging a female bartender was repeatedly propositioned, described as available to date patrons and told to dress "sexy" by a restaurant manager.
According to the EEOC, Christini's Ristorante Italiano owner Chris Christini permitted and created a work environment where the female bartender was subject to unwelcome, sexually charged comments, described to customers as available to go on dates, and told to dress "sexy" and "date ready." After complaining about the sexual harassment, the bartender was fired, the EEOC alleges.
"Federal law guarantees employees the right to be free from sexual harassment in the workplace and not be subjected to retaliation when employees complain of the harassment and ask that it stop," EEOC Miami District regional attorney Robert Weisberg said in a statement. "It is, therefore, incumbent upon employers to ensure complaints of sexual harassment are taken seriously and handled appropriately. The law is clear that nothing less will be tolerated."
"No one should ever be subject to sexual harassment at their place of work," added EEOC Miami District director Michael Farrell. "The EEOC stands with victims of sexual harassment and remains committed to eradicating sexual harassment from the workplace."
In its lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida Orlando Division, the EEOC seeks back pay plus compensatory and punitive damages.