In a landmark decision, a federal jury recently awarded $2.17 million against SkyWest Airlines for subjecting a female parts clerk to a sexually hostile work environment. The jury’s verdict โ the largest ever obtained by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the Northern District of Texas โ underscores the critical importance of maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
The airline employee โ Sarah Budd โ endured crude sexual comments from multiple coworkers and at least one manager, including lude suggestions that she engage in prostitution and perform demeaning sex acts. According to the EEOC, additional disturbing jokes about women who report sexual assault were commonplace. Despite Budd’s reports to her supervisor and the employee relations department, SkyWest’s investigations were insufficient, leading to lackluster disciplinary actions and canceled training sessions intended to address the harassment.
This case doubles down on the severe consequences organizations face when they fail to address workplace harassment effectively. Beyond legal repercussions, such negligence can lead to reputational damage and a decline in employee morale.
How Lauth Investigations Can Assist
At Lauth Investigations, we specialize in helping organizations prevent and address issues like those experienced by SkyWest Airlines. Our services include:
- Comprehensive Workplace Investigations: Lauth conducts thorough and impartial investigations into allegations of harassment and discrimination, ensuring that all claims are thoroughly examined and documented.
- Policy Development and Review: Lauthโs experts help refine workplace policies that promote a respectful and inclusive environment, aligning with legal standards and best practices.
- Training and Education Programs: Lauth offers tailored training sessions for employees and management to recognize, prevent, and respond appropriately to harassment and discrimination.
- Monitoring and Compliance: Lauth also provides ongoing support to ensure that implemented policies are followed and that the workplace remains compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
By partnering with Lauth Investigations, organizations can proactively address and prevent workplace harassment, fostering a safe and respectful environment for all employees.
For more information on how we can assist your organization, please contact us about our EEO Violation Investigations.