Here’s a summary of the sexual harassment lawsuit settlement involving Aged Artisans LLC, Surfeit Group LLC (dba Square Barrels restaurant), and Altres, Inc.:
- Lawsuit Details: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against Aged Artisans LLC, Surfeit Group LLC (dba Square Barrels restaurant), and their HR company, Altres, Inc., alleging sexual harassment targeting gay employees by one of the restaurant’s co-owners.
- Allegations: The co-owner allegedly harassed gay employees by exposing his genitals at work, making explicit requests for oral sex, and commenting on employees’ sexual orientation. The EEOC accused Altres of failing to conduct a proper investigation into the harassment.
- Settlement Terms: Under a three-year consent decree, Aged Artisans/Surfeit Group and Altres agreed to:
– Enact equal employment opportunity monitoring.
– Revise policies addressing discrimination and harassment.
– Provide anti-discrimination training.
- Legal Context: The lawsuit underscores the ongoing issue of sexual harassment in the restaurant and hospitality industries, particularly affecting LGBTQI+ community members. The settlement aligns with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sex-based discrimination, including harassment based on sexual orientation.
- EEOC Statement: Raymond Griffin Jr., Director of the EEOC’s Honolulu office, highlighted that over one-third of charges filed with the EEOC involve harassment, with a significant portion relating to the restaurant and hospitality sectors.
- Guidance: The EEOC reiterated that harassment based on sex can include both sexual and non-sexual conduct, such as sexual comments or using sex-based epithets, as clarified in updated harassment guidance issued in April.
This settlement emphasizes the importance of employers taking proactive measures to prevent and address harassment in the workplace, ensuring compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws.