Brand Energy and Infrastructure Services agreed to pay a former female employee $110,000 to settle a harassment lawsuit in which she alleged the company fired her for refusing to have sex with her boss. The company is Georgia-based with operations in Texas and Louisiana. The woman worked at its Belle Chasse Conoco Phillips facility.
The woman claimed that a male supervisor made inappropriate sexual comments, requested and demanded sexual favors, threatened termination, exposed himself and inappropriately touched her while she worked at the facility. She refused his advances and voiced her complaints through an anonymous hotline run by the company. Nevertheless, the company fired her in February 2009.
Her supervisor called her several times after her termination and offered her job back in exchange for sex, according to her complaint. The settlement gives $100,000 to the woman and $10,000 to another former employee who also claimed she suffered harassment by the same supervisor. The supervisor has since left the company.
In addition, the settlement requires all current company management and HR employees to undergo training on sexual harassment and unlawful retaliation. In its pleadings, the company categorically denied violating any employment laws, but agreed to the settlement regardless. Its attorney said it chose to settle the case to save the cost of litigation.
Employees have the right to a workplace free of harassment and discrimination. If you have been a victim of workplace harassment, contact a New Orleans injury lawyer. A New Orleans injury attorney can offer a free case review and help you recover financial compensation for your injuries.