Altman Specialty Plants to Pay $172,000 to Conciliate EEOC Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Charges

SAN ANTONIO – Altman Specialty Plants, LLC, the largest horticultural grower in the United States, will pay $172,000 in monetary relief and furnish extensive injunctive relief to resolve a finding of sex discrimination and retaliation by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in a conciliation agreement, the federal agency announced today.

The conciliation follows an EEOC investigation into charges where EEOC found that an Altman supervisor subjected female employees to sexual harassment and a sexually hostile work environment for an extensive period at its Austin, Texas location.

The investigation further revealed that after complaining about sexual harassment, the employees were retaliated against, thereby creating a chilling effect making Altman’s EEO policies and complaint procedures ineffective. Such alleged conduct is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination, including sexual harassment, based on sex and retaliation for engaging in a protected activity.

Altman disputes the allegations but cooperated with EEOC during its investigation into conduct that was alleged to be in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  Altman states it makes efforts to ensure that all its employees are provided with a safe workplace free from discrimination and retaliation of any kind.

Under the three-year conciliation agreement settling the charges, Altman will pay $172,000 in monetary damages. The company also agreed to enforce its non-discrimination and non-retaliation policies; revise and implement an effective complaint procedure; distribute and post in English and Spanish an equal employment opportunity non-discrimination notice; and conduct sex discrimination and retaliation training for all employees at its Austin location.  

“Sexual harassment remains a persistent problem among horticulture and agriculture workers, especially those with limited English proficiency,” said Norma J. Guzman, field director of the EEOC’s San Antonio Field Office. “Protecting vulnerable workers remains a priority for EEOC, and employers should not relinquish its responsibility or oversight to ensure a work environment free of harassment and retaliation. This oversight is especially important when a supervisor in a position of authority routinely works unsupervised; allowed to hire and work directly with close friends and family members, creating the potential for non-compliance.”

For information about sexual harassment, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-harassment.

The EEOC’s San Antonio Field Office has jurisdiction over 66 counties, covering a large part of central and south Texas.

The EEOC prevents and remedies unlawful employment discrimination and advances equal opportunity for all. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.

Source: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC.gov)