A vacation-home rental company will pay $165,000 to settle an employment discrimination lawsuit alleging that it discriminated against Latino employees, according to the Sierra Star.
The Los Angeles office of the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission reported that “An investigation was undertaken that led to a finding of discrimination, harassment and retaliation.”
Our Orange County employment attorneys understand the anger and frustration that can come with discrimination in the workplace. Such discrimination, whether based on age, religion, sex or race, can make even the most capable employees feel powerless. Frequently, an employee is hesitant to say anything, or to take action — particularly in a today’s economic environment, where good jobs are scarce. We understand. And we offer confidential consultations to discuss your rights if you feel you have been discriminated against in the workplace.
Wawona Property Management Inc, doing business as The Redwoods — a vacation home rental company in Yosemite National Park — was sued in September by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The suit claimed five Latino employees were targeted for harassment, discrimination, increased scrutiny and eventual termination. The suit claimed an operations manager favored non-Latino staff.
The suit also claimed the company’s general manager was fired after reporting discriminatory conduct to the company’s board of directors.
The California employment lawsuit said the employees were seasonal workers of Mexican and Salvadoran descent, who worked in housekeeping and maintenance. When a new operations manager was hired, the lawsuit claims he took disciplinary action against Latino workers after making disparaging remarks about them. Meanwhile, non-Latino employees who violated company policies were nevertheless promoted.
The EEOC filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, claiming that the discrimination against national origin and harassment and retaliation where a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The Redwood has subsequently agreed to revise its policies with respect to discrimination, harassment, retaliation and employee evaluations.
The EEOC reports that cases of discrimination of national origin are up 20 to 40 percent nationwide.
If you need to speak to an employment attorney in Los Angeles about an issue of discrimination, sexual harassment, wage dispute, or a violation of worker’s rights, contact the Employment Law Team for a confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call (877) 529-4545. Serving Orange County, Santa Ana, Ontario, Riverside and the entire Los Angeles area.