EMPLOYMENT HARASSMENT: New Orleans-based Construction Firm to Pay $110K to Settle Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Suit

February 28, 2011

New Orleans, Louisiana – Four construction companies, Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., Brand Services, LLC, Brand Energy Solutions, LLC, and Brand Scaffold Services, LLC (Brand) have agreed to pay $110,000 as settlement for a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the EEOC said last Wednesday.

According to the suit, a female employee was subject to sexual harassment by her supervisor. The victim said the adverse actions included unwanted touching, sexual statements and advances, and a threat that she would be laid-off if she did not have sex with him.

The employee called the company hotline and complained about her situation, but the company terminated her instead. The supervisor also left the company after the victim’s termination.

Under the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employees should not be subject to harassment and retaliation by their employers.

Aside from the compensation, the companies will also provide their employees annual trainings to prevent violations at work such as harassment and discrimination.