Sandia Transportation Settles $97,500 Employment Discrimination Lawsuit

Background:

Sandia Transportation, L.L.C., based in Albuquerque, NM, recently reached a settlement of $97,500 in an employment discrimination lawsuit brought against them by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Allegations:

The lawsuit accused Sandia Transportation of subjecting four female employees to disparaging and discriminatory comments, fostering a hostile work environment based on sex, sexual orientation, or deviation from gender stereotypes. Shockingly, one employee faced harassment for associating with lesbian colleagues. The owner's derogatory remarks included labeling the women as "f*ckin' lesbians" and "fat ugly bitches," and expressing a disdainful attitude towards dealing with women. These actions led to the collective termination of the employees, with the owner publicly announcing the firing of all lesbians in the office.

Settlement:

The EEOC filed the suit, EEOC v. Sandia Transportation, L.L.C., in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, alleging violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. After unsuccessful attempts at informal resolution, the parties settled through a consent decree in litigation. Under the decree's terms, the four former female employees will receive compensatory damages totaling $97,500. Sandia Transportation is also mandated to refrain from discrimination based on sex or sexual orientation, implement policy revisions, provide annual employee training, and report any discrimination complaints to the EEOC.

Conclusion:

Regional Attorney Mary Jo O'Neill of the EEOC's Phoenix District Office emphasized the significance of the resolution, affirming the commitment to combating workplace discrimination and protecting the rights of women and LGBTQ+ workers. Assistant Regional Attorney Christina Vigil Frazier highlighted the ongoing issue of discrimination and urged employers to be mindful of their conduct's negative impact. Albuquerque Area Director April Klug emphasized the importance of employees' right to work in a harassment-free environment, considering the settlement a victory.