For those who still believe sexual harassment is something  men sometimes do only to women in the workplace, here’s more evidence that same-sex harassment also occurs…and it is unlawful.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, at DC Ranch in Scottsdale, AZ, has agreed to fork over nearly a quarter million dollars to settle  a same-sex lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”).  That’s a lot of steaks.

The gist of the charges are that the male head chef was physically touching, pinching, squeezing and otherwise engaging in unwanted conduct with male subordinate employees who complained but management took no action to halt the conduct. 

As strategic Orlando Human Resources consultants, we cannot over emphasize the need for comprehensive management training on legal compliance issues. It saves time, money and resources. It’s good business practice.

As the District Director of the EEOC’s Phoenix District Office stated, “We want the public to know that sexual harassment isn’t just about misconduct between men and women.  It includes sexually abusive behavior between people of the same sex also. Regardless of your gender or anyone else’s, you don’t have to tolerate sexual harassment.”   

Get your management team up to speed on this stuff.  Otherwise, you may be left to pick up the check.

Rick and Christina