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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Susan 573-751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2009
Franklin Co. Company Pays as a Result of a Sexual Harassment Complaint
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) announced that a Franklin County stair company has agreed to pay $1,500 in damages to a former employee to resolve a claim of sexual harassment and constructive discharge. This was a result of an investigation and hearing conducted by the MCHR subsequent to a complaint filed by a former Ortmann Stair Company employee.
"Employees have the right to work in an environment that’s free from harassment,” said Alisa Warren, MCHR Executive Director. “The last thing someone should have to worry about when they go to work is being sexually harassed. The law does not permit this behavior and employers are required to prevent it or take immediate corrective action when it occurs.”
The employee alleged that she was inundated by sexual comments and overtures from the company president which made her work environment intolerable. She was forced to quit when her employer would not stop the offensive conduct directed towards her. The employer denied the allegations but agreed to settle the case by paying the former employee $1,500 and implementing a written anti-discrimination policy. MCHR has since provided sexual harassment prevention training to Ortmann’s employees.
The MCHR’s case was presented by the Attorney General’s Office before the Administrative Hearing Commission, an independent adjudication body. In FY2008, the MCHR received and investigated approximately 230 sexual harassment complaints. Of those, approximately 18 percent resulted in settlements, 36 percent led to the retention of private counsel to file suit, 27 percent resulted in a finding of probable cause, while the remaining cases have either been dismissed or remain open.
The MCHR is housed within the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and is responsible for enforcing the Missouri Human Rights Act which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing and places of public accommodation because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), disability and age (in employment only) and familial status (in housing only).
The MCHR provides education and technical assistance to the employer community to promote voluntary compliance with the law. The MCHR provides outreach and education to employees, tenants and customers to assist them in understanding their rights and responsibilities under the law. For further information about the MCHR or to file a complaint of discrimination in the areas of the workplace, public accommodations or housing, visit www.labor.mo.gov/hr or call 573-751-3325.
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