Albemarle company hit by EEOC with harassment suit

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is charged with investigating employment discrimination claims. Sometimes its investigations determine that discrimination has occurred. In such cases, the agency will attempt to resolve the charge with the employer. If it cannot reach a resolution, it must then decide whether to file a lawsuit. Just before the holidays, the EEOC filed a suit against an employer with operations in North Carolina that serves as an important reminder of the need to investigate harassment claims and take appropriate corrective action.

Vulgar allegations lead to lawsuit

The EEOC’s lawsuit centers around allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation against Enforge, LLC, a Michigan-based tie rods and automotive parts company with a facility in Albemarle, North Carolina. According to the lawsuit, a female employee was subjected to vulgar sexual comments and unwelcome touching by male coworkers at the facility from August to October 2020.

Although claims made in lawsuits need to be proven in court, the EEOC is alleging a series of disturbing conduct. The female employee was assigned to work on the second shift with seven male coworkers. During her first few days, the male coworkers engaged in graphic discussions about sex in her presence, including how they liked to have sex, how large their penises were, and what they would do to women during sexual intercourse.