Workers from two Chicago plants have sued Ford Motor Co. for sexual and racial harassment. After an investigation made by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission the company agreed to pay $10.1 million to settle the scandal. The investigation yielded reasonable cause that personnel at the Chicago Assembly Plant and the Chicago Stamping Plant had subjected African-American and female employees to racial and sexual harassment -- violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The agency also said the company retaliated against employees who complained about harassment or discrimination.
Ford, in a statement, said it agreed to close the matter without admission of liability to "avoid an extended dispute." The automaker added that after conducting its own investigation "appropriate action" was taken, including "disciplinary action up to and including dismissal for individuals who violated the company's anti-harassment policy." Eligible employees are entitled to a portion of the settlement via a claims process outlined in the agreement. It also ensures that during the next five years, Ford will conduct training regularly at the Chicago facilities, and "continue to disseminate" anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies and procedures to employees and new hires.
A spokeswoman for the agency declined to add any additional information about the case. Ford said the group of employees eligible for settlement money are either women or African-American men who began working at the plant after Jan. 1, 2010, the Detroit Free Press reported. The automaker will also consult the EEOC regarding complaints of harassment and related discrimination; and monitor its workforce regarding issues of that nature.
