California Vineyard to Pay $350,000 in Sexual Harassment Damages

July 3rd, 2012    Posted in Sexual Harassment News

FRESNO, California — A Fresno grape grower has been ordered to pay $350,000 following a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit.

Giumarra Vineyards, in Edision, California, has been ordered to pay the settlement as well as make changes in company policies after a sexual harassment complaint was filed.

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a 17-year-old worker at vineyard was sexually harassed by a co-worker. She and four other workers complained about the abuse but when they spoke up, all four of them were fired.

In addition to the damages, Giumarra has agreed to provide sexual harassment training for all workers at the vineyard to prevent a similar incident from happening in the future. Giumarra must also amend its anti-discrimination policies and complaint procedures, must develop a complaint tracking system, and must hire a human resources professional to handle sexual harassment complaints.

Jeff Giumarra, a spokesman for Giumarra, said in a statement that the company takes sexual harassment cases “very seriously” and was “proud” to change its policies to include the new harassment and discrimination training program.

Sexual harassment is defined as any unwanted and unwelcome sexual conduct. It can be anything from a general lewd joke to a serious physical attack like rape. Regardless of the individual circumstances, all sexual harassment incidents can lead the victim to feel afraid and embarrassed, affecting their performance at work and even leading to trauma. If you or someone you know has been harassed, contact a sexual harassment lawyer immediately to file a case.

Sexual harassment lawyers do whatever it takes to ensure the victim obtains justice and compensation for their pain and suffering. They will also make sure that the perpetrator is held liable for their actions.

Contact a sexual harassment attorney today to fight for your rights.