The fast-casual restaurant chain Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has more than 2,600 stores around the world, including a trio serving its trademark Mission-style burritos and more here in the Milwaukee area.
The company and its subsidiary Chipotle Services, LLC recently agreed to pay $95,000 to settle a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit.
According to the lawsuit, a 22-year-old male manager was subjected to pervasive physical and verbal sexual harassment by a female supervisor. The manager was propositioned for sex and inappropriately touched by his supervisor.
The supervisor also reportedly posted a “scorecard” in the store’s office on which she tracked staff sexual activities.
When the manager reported the harassment, he was subjected to more hostility, he said in his lawsuit, including an incident in which he was locked inside a walk-in freezer. He quit his job after the company failed to address the problems.
The settlement provides the former manager with $95,000 in lost wages and compensatory damages. The company also agreed to develop policies and training for supervisors, managers and employees to minimize and address any future sexual harassment.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said the inappropriate behavior at the Chipotle store violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits gender-based and sex-based harassment.
While many might believe that only women face sexual harassment in the workplace, the EEOC states that “roughly 16 percent of sexual harassment charges filed with the agency are brought by male workers.” A spokesperson for the agency added, “Federal laws protect workers from sexual harassment and sexual abuse, regardless of their gender.”
No matter your gender, the law office of Alan C. Olson and Associates can help you to stop unlawful sexual harassment in your Milwaukee workplace.
