Six male employees of the Cheesecake Factory are set to receive $345,000 after the company opted to settle a sexual harassment case out of court.
The complainants worked at a Cheesecake Factory restaurant located in the Chandler Fashion Center in Chandler, Arizona. They alleged that they were subjected to repeated sexual harassment by other male employees. They also claimed that management did not act upon information that the abuses were occurring. The Cheesecake Factory denies the latter claim. A decree that was issued in relation to the case assigned no liability.
Among the employees to file suit with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) were Bryce Fitzpatrick, Albert Miller, Jesse DeJong and Michael Wilson. They were later joined by John Andrews and Julio Muñoz who took part in the class action.
Amongst the allegations were claims that abusers: touched victims inappropriately, made sexual remarks and simulated rape. The EEOC claims that managers of the store “witnessed employees dragging the men kicking and screaming into a refrigerated room.”
Victims of the abuse were said to have complained to managers, however, no action was taken. A complaint to police resulted in an investigation but no charges.
The Cheesecake Factory is now required to provide employees with education regarding sexual harassment and to “assign an ombudsman to field and address complaints about sexual harassment.” Failure to meet either of the conditions will result in court ordered sanctions.
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