Facts

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a complaint against Portland-based seafood processor and distributor, Pacific Seafood, on behalf of an employee.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Jesus Perez asserted that Pacific Seafood Co. Inc. and Pacific Seafood Group Inc. illegally fired him after he spoke to management about racial discrimination. Perez had been working for the company for several years with a good record. He brought up to his supervisor that he feared he had received a smaller raise than his non-Hispanic co-worker because of his race. He was fired almost immediately thereafter.

Result

Pacific Seafood agreed to pay Perez $85,000 to settle the lawsuit. The company also agreed to redraft its discrimination and retaliation policies, as well as train all employees about discrimination and retaliation laws.