Dispute Summary Paper

Essay by binks06A, February 2007

download word file, 4 pages 5.0

Discrimination happens in almost every area of people's lives including personal, business and family. However, discrimination in the workplace is illegal and not to be taken lightly. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination and continues in the workplace today. Many cases of sexual harassment end up in the courts due to the employer's negligence. These cases can be costly for companies and managers in many different ways (Zachary, 2005). Legal fees and damage awards to the company being sued becomes exorbitant at times.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. One section of the Act is referred to as Title VII. This Act applies to private employers, labor unions and employment agencies. The Act prohibits discrimination in recruitment, hiring, wages, assignment, promotions, benefits, discipline, discharge, layoffs and almost every aspect of employment.

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (EEOC, 1999).

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature (EEOC, 1999).

Sexual harassment effects an individual's employment by interfering with one's work performance. The work environment often becomes intimidating, hostile or offensive. It is wise for the victim to inform the person doing the harassing directly to stop the unwelcome conduct. If there is an employer complaint system available, then the victim should go forward and file a formal complaint.

Sexual discrimination lawsuit

The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store was part of a sexual harassment lawsuit in 2004. The company had a discrimination lawsuit brought against them by EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) attorneys. The lawsuit was based upon charges of discrimination filed by 10 workers in three Cracker Barrel restaurants in Matteson,