09-13-2018
Alorica, Inc., recently identified by Inc. 5000 list as one of the U.S.’s fastest-growing private companies, was accused of egregious sexual harassment. The Irvine, California based company has call centers across 16 countries in 140 locations but it was two centers in the middle of California that were the source of the harassment. At least 44 employees in the Fresno and Clovis sites alleged harassment and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) brought suit alleging Both male and female employees alleged harassment. According to the EEOC’s investigation, supervisors, managers and co-workers engaged in “verbal, visual and physical harassment.” One manager peered down women’s shirts to see their breasts. Another manager asked a female employee to perform oral sex. The EEOC heard from women that spoke of unwanted touching of their breasts, thighs, and buttocks. A principal complainant spoke about a boss who told her about his “large penis” and bragged about his sexual exploits. Anyone who complained about the harassment was retaliated against and/or terminated. Male employees were also harassed, as female employees talked about sex in front of them and they were asked what sexual position they preferred.
In addition to the financial settlement, Alorica must also comply with a three-year consent decree that applies nationwide. The decree requires a third-party monitor, the creation of an internal equal employment opportunity consultant and internal compliance officer, sexual harassment training (including incorporating civility and bystander intervention training). The company has also agreed to revise its anti-discrimination and retaliation policies and procedures.