SEXUAL HARASSMENT: Federal Judge Affirms Decision against Whirlpool for Sexual Harassment

April 4, 2011

Nashville, Tennessee – Whirlpool Corporation will still pay $1 million as settlement for an EEOC sexual harassment case after a federal judge has affirmed the court’s decision, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said Friday.

According to EEOC’s announcement, Judge John T. Nixon rejected Whirlpool’s motion to change or amend the court’s decision, released on Dec. 21, 2009, requiring the company to pay $1,073,261 to the harassment victim.

The EEOC suit said a former female employee was subject to continuous sexual harassment by a male white employee because of her sex and race. The harassment actions lasted for two months until the harasser assaulted the victim, causing permanent mental injuries, preventing her from working again.

EEOC filed the suit against Whirlpool when it found out that four levels of the company’s management were aware of the harassment actions but refused to intervene.

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employees should not be subject to discrimination and harassment practices because of their race, age, sex, religion and national origin.