Facts

Willamette Tree Wholesale Inc. employed two sisters as workers at its farm. The sisters, as well as their other relatives, were terminated after reporting sexual assault and harassment to the company. The sisters reported the discrimination to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The EEOC filed suit against Willamette, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. The sisters claimed that while working at the farm, a supervisor took one to remote areas, threatened her with pruning shears and termination, and sexually assaulting her repeatedly over several months. The other sister was subjected to sexual comments, propositions, and groping. The EEOC further alleged that after Willamette was informed about the situation, it failed to investigate or respond, and that Willamette retaliated by terminating the women and their relatives.

Result

The parties reached a settlement for $150,000.