CASPER, Wyo. – Waller’s Trucking Company, Inc., a family-owned Wyoming trucking company, will pay $124,000 and provide other relief to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced today.According to the lawsuit, Waller’s owner sexually harassed two female employees over several years. He frequently made crude and sexually explicit comments to female employees in front of their coworkers and over the mobile radio system. He also inappropriately grabbed female employees without their permission. Despite multiple complaints and reports of sexual harassment, Waller’s failed to take action to stop the harassment and continued to foster a hostile work environment, leading to the forced resignation of the two female employees.The alleged conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects individuals from workplace discrimination and harassment. The EEOC filed suit on Sept. 30, 2024 in U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming (EEOC v. Waller’s Trucking Company, Inc., Case No. 24-CV-00197-SWS) after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process.In addition to providing $124,000 in monetary relief, the five-year consent decree resolving the lawsuit requires Waller’s to issue a letter of apology to the victims, revise and distribute its anti-harassment and anti-retaliation policies, post a notice in the workplace informing employees of the settlement, and provide specialized training to supervisors and employees. The company also agreed to provide the EEOC with periodic reports regarding any future complaints of sexual harassment or retaliation, including a description of each employee’s allegations and the company’s response.“The EEOC was pleased to work together with Waller’s to reach an early resolution to this case, which includes significant monetary relief and important policy changes to help prevent future unlawful harassment,” said Mary Jo O’Neill, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Phoenix District. “Owner harassment is a particularly harmful form of harassment because employees often feel they have no recourse or way to complain. The EEOC welcomes the opportunity to work with employers who seek to ensure their workers are free from a sexually hostile work environment.”Melinda Caraballo, district director of the EEOC’s Phoenix District Office, added, “The unfortunate reality is that sexual harassment and discrimination continue to occur all too frequently in the workplace, including workplaces in Wyoming. All employees have the right to work in an environment free from sexual harassment so they can focus on their jobs and providing for their families.”For more information about sexual harassment, visit: https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-harassment. The EEOC’s Phoenix District Office has jurisdiction for Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and part of New Mexico. The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination and promotes policies to advance fairness and equity in the workplace.The EEOC prevents and remedies unlawful employment discrimination and advances equal opportunity for all. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.
Brief
On September 30, 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit against Waller's Trucking Company, Inc. alleging sexual harassment by the owner. The company will pay $124,000 and implement anti-harassment policies as part of a five-year consent decree resolving the case.
Highlights content goes here...
Purpose
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced a settlement with Waller’s Trucking Company, Inc., a Wyoming-based trucking company, over allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation against two female employees. The agreement requires the company to pay $124,000 in monetary relief, revise its anti-harassment policies, and provide specialized training to supervisors and employees.
Effects on Industry
The settlement serves as a reminder to companies in the transportation industry, particularly those with family-owned businesses, of their responsibility to maintain a safe and respectful work environment for all employees. The EEOC’s actions demonstrate its commitment to enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination and promoting policies that advance fairness and equity in the workplace. This development is likely to set a precedent for other companies in the industry to review and strengthen their anti-harassment policies, potentially leading to a shift towards more inclusive and respectful work cultures.
Relevant Stakeholders
The affected stakeholders include Waller’s Trucking Company, Inc., its employees, particularly female workers in the transportation industry, and the broader Wyoming business community. The EEOC’s actions also have implications for other employers in similar industries who may be called upon to revise their policies and practices to prevent sexual harassment and retaliation.
Next Steps
Companies in the transportation industry should review and update their anti-harassment and anti-retaliation policies, providing clear procedures for reporting incidents and investigating complaints. They should also ensure that all employees, particularly supervisors and managers, receive specialized training on recognizing and addressing workplace harassment. Additionally, companies should maintain accurate records of any future complaints or allegations of sexual harassment or retaliation.
Any Other Relevant Information
The EEOC’s efforts to enforce federal laws against employment discrimination are crucial in promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity in the workplace. The settlement serves as an example for other employers to take proactive measures to prevent workplace harassment, ensuring that all employees can work without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
