Employment Law News
In a press release issued yesterday, the EEOC announced that California based Burgers and Beers was engaging in sex discrimination for denying opportunities to male employees. The chain, which has six locations throughout Southern California, was denying males the opportunity to work in server positions.
The release indicates that "Such action violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. The EEOC filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California (Case No. 3:18-cv-02014-DMS-NLS) after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process. The EEOC is seeking injunctive relief to prohibit Burgers & Beer from engaging in future unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex, as well as compensatory and punitive damages for the victims."
Christopher Green, director of the EEOC's San Diego's Local Office, explained that, "Denying someone the chance to compete for a job simply because of their gender violates federal law - even if the employer presumes customers would prefer to be surrounded by female servers. Presumed preferences are no excuse for any kind of discrimination. The EEOC will continue to pursue the eradication of this type of unlawful behavior."
Weber Rose, led by shareholder Darryl Durham, represents businesses in a wide variety of employment law matters, including the defense of sex discrimination claims. Regular review of your business's employment practices and HR polices can help identify activities that could bring exposure to your business.
Contact our office to set a consultation.