Downhole Technology, a Houston manufacturer of fracking equipment, faces charges it failed to address a racial discrimination complaint and then retaliated against the employee who complained.
The EEOC claims the company fired a black employee after he complained that a white co-worker taunted him while wearing a white KKK-style hood. According to the EEOC, the employee reported the incident, but instead of investigating it, the company fired him. The complaint alleged race discrimination and retaliation.
Efforts to resolve the dispute through the commission’s conciliation process failed, and now the EEOC has filed suit seeking punitive and compensatory damages, lost wages and benefits for the fired employee. The EEOC also seeks to enjoin Downhole Technology from committing future discriminatory acts. Absent a settlement, the case will go to trial.
Advice: Always investigate harassment and discrimination claims before taking any disciplinary action.
References: www.businessmanagementdaily.com
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