EEOC Settles Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Charges

The Silver Diner has agreed to pay $25,000 to settle a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit. The EEOC filed the lawsuit after the restaurant allegedly subjected a waitress to a sexually hostile environment, such as the restaurant co-owner rubbing up against her.  The restaurant limited the waitress’s hours and then fired her after she complained about the harassment.  Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace and retaliation for complaining about discrimination. In addition to paying the $25,000 settlement, the restaurant, under a five year consent decree, will conduct annual training that will focus on sexual harassment and retaliation.  See EEOC v. Silver Diner, Inc., No. 1:12-CV-01002 (M.D.N.C.).