Whole Foods is under intense scrutiny for ignoring sexual harassment claims of store workers. An employee at one of their San Francisco stores filed a lawsuit against the upscale food giant, who was recently acquired by Amazon, one of the world’s largest retail companies.
The worker alleges that her shift supervisor made sexual remarks to her on an almost daily basis. According to her complaint, he routinely called her suggestive, friendly names, such as little girl, and touched her on the shoulder and hugged her around the waist whenever it suited him. He allegedly told her that he loved her and that he wanted to make love to her in graphic detail. All these things are a lot to endure for a woman under the age of 21. We all want to have positive relationships with those to whom we report, and who hold our futures in their hands. However, it is difficult to stand up to authority when advances are unwelcome.
No Corporate Response
The plaintiff told her supervisor to stop, but he continued the bad behavior. She went to the company and let them know what was happening, and how bad it made her feel. The company ignored her claims. Following her final complaint in October, the company retaliated against her by terminating her on the basis that she accepted an alcoholic beverage from the accused supervisor. Whole Foods is now facing serious, image-damaging charges of sexual harassment, infliction of emotional distress, unlawful retaliation, discrimination based on gender, and wrongful termination.
Whole Foods Market has over 400 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and employs more than 91,000 employees. Recently acquired by Amazon, Whole Foods was a Fortune 500 company trading on Nasdaq with a market capitalization of over $10 billion. However, it could not hear the importuning of a young employee.
Employees’ Rights
Employers often fail to properly warn managers and supervisors against inappropriate sexual behavior. When they are confronted with wrongdoing, many punish the victim instead of doing what is right. When that happens, workers are entitled to demand compensation in the form of a lawsuit. State and federal laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, protect those enduring discrimination or sexual harassment in the workplace.
Philadelphia Sexual Harassment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Advocate for Victims of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
If you or someone you know experienced sexual harassment at work, the Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. can help. We will obtain the compensation and justice you deserve. No one should have to endure harassment or discrimination in the workplace. Call us at 215-569-1999 or contact us online for a free consultation today. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients in Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.
