The founder of an Ardmore brewery has resigned from the company he started, following claims of sexual harassment and racial bias made by workers. The decision was announced Tuesday on social media, following an outpouring of allegations over the weekend by employees in response to a similar series of complaints made by a Massachusetts brewery employee. The resignation comes as the microbrewery industry, which has grown substantially in the United States in the past 15 years, comes to terms with abusive behavior from leadership figures, similar to what’s being experienced in other industries.
Allegations of sexual harassment and gender bias include limiting opportunities for women and having different standards from their male counterparts. Workers of color claimed they were limited to back-of-house roles, like washing dishes, and were treated differently than White workers. One employee said an assault at a holiday party was met with no punishment or repercussions. The brewery also laid off some of their 112 employees during the coronavirus pandemic when they had to shutter their multiple properties, despite receiving nearly $1 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans and grants. Those who did retain employment were often forced to deliver beer to customers under threat of termination, against their better judgement.
There is no place in a healthy work environment for sexual harassment. Many workers have left positions after persistent harassment, while others are refusing to take currently open positions because some companies have reputations of pervasive, toxic working conditions. However, there is help. The sexual harassment attorneys at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. have the experience and expertise to help you win your case and get the compensation you deserve. Call today at 215-569-1999 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. With offices in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we are proud to serve the hard-working people of Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and Cherry Hill, South Jersey.
