Santa Maria Ag Firms to Pay $900,000 to Settle Sexual Harassment, Retaliation Lawsuit
Three Santa Maria agricultural firms will pay $900,000 to settle a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation against female workers.Summary
Three agricultural companies in Santa Maria – Fresh Venture Foods LLC, Gold Coast Packing Inc., and Babé Farms Inc. – have agreed to a $900,000 settlement with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to resolve a lawsuit concerning sexual harassment and retaliation. The EEOC’s lawsuit alleged that female workers at the Santa Maria facilities experienced ongoing verbal and physical harassment, including unwanted touching, sexual advances, and propositions. The suit also claimed the companies failed to adequately address complaints and retaliated against those who spoke out, leading some employees to resign due to intolerable conditions.
Beatriz Andre, acting regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles District Office, emphasized that “sexual harassment is a persistent problem in the agricultural industry.” Christine Park-Gonzalez, district director, added that employers must address harassment complaints promptly without repercussions. The settlement, approved by U.S. District Judge Consuelo Marshall, requires the firms to implement extensive corrective measures.
Beyond the monetary relief for affected female workers, the companies must hire a third-party monitor, provide comprehensive training, establish a centralized complaint tracking system, and update their anti-discrimination policies. The conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sex-based discrimination.
(Source：Noozhawk)