Pierce County company failed to stop sexual harassment, prompting federal investigation
A wholesale food-service supplier in Fife has agreed to change how it addresses sexual-harassment claims after a federal investigation found it failed to act against a store manager who harassed multiple female workers.
Restaurant Depot, also known as Jetro Holdings, LLC, entered into a settlement this week with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the agency said. In order to resolve a sexual harassment complaint filed with the EEOC, Restaurant Depot will update its policies and improve its processes for employees to submit discrimination complaints.
The company also will produce periodic reports to the EEOC over a three-year period to prove compliance with the settlement terms, including employee training requirements and that any complaints are promptly investigated, the agency said.
“We have heard this story too many times,” said Elizabeth M. Cannon, director of the EEOC’s Seattle Field Office, in a statement. “Employers, train your managers to recognize discrimination and harassment complaints so they can respond appropriately.”
A former employee at Restaurant Depot alleged that she was forced to perform sexual acts by store managers and subjected to sexual comments and advances. An EEOC investigation found that the worker and other female employees had been sexually harassed by a store manager and, although Restaurant Depot had received complaints dating back to 2019, the company failed to appropriately respond to stop the conduct.
A message left with Restaurant Depot’s company headquarters was not immediately returned Friday.
In the EEOC’s statement Thursday, Cannon noted that workers can file a charge with the EEOC if their employer isn’t protecting them from workplace harassment. More information is available at EEOC.gov.
