The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has recently settled three significant lawsuits against construction firms, totaling over $2.9 million. The settlements include:
– J.A. Croson: This Sorrento, Florida-based plumbing and HVAC contractor settled for $1.6 million over claims of racial harassment and retaliation. Allegations included racial slurs, derogatory language, and humiliating work assignments based on race and national origin.
– Asphalt Paving Systems: The Hammonton, New Jersey-based company agreed to pay $1.25 million to settle a race discrimination claim. The EEOC alleged severe and frequent harassment of Black employees, including racial slurs and physically threatening conduct, with supervisors reportedly bringing guns to work and failing to address the behavior.
– Balfour Beatty Infrastructure: The Atlanta-headquartered firm settled for $80,000 regarding a sexual harassment complaint. The EEOC claimed that a female employee faced a sexually hostile work environment and retaliation after complaining, including inappropriate texts and a coercive offer from a coworker.
The EEOC’s actions highlight its ongoing focus on combating discrimination and harassment in the construction industry. The settlements follow increased scrutiny under the Biden administration, reflecting the agency’s commitment to promoting safer and more inclusive workplaces.
The EEOC has recently resolved three major lawsuits against construction firms for a combined total of over $2.9 million, underscoring its commitment to addressing workplace discrimination. J.A. Croson, a Florida-based plumbing and HVAC contractor, settled for $1.6 million due to racial harassment and retaliation claims, including derogatory language and unfair work assignments. Asphalt Paving Systems from New Jersey agreed to a $1.25 million settlement over race discrimination, with allegations of severe harassment and unsafe working conditions. Balfour Beatty Infrastructure settled for $80,000 related to sexual harassment, involving a hostile environment and retaliation. These settlements reflect the EEOC’s intensified efforts to foster safer, more inclusive workplaces.
