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Contact:
Nicole St. Germain, Public Relations Manager
(213) 785-3045/ (213) 810-0980
Melissa Barrios, Fresno Local Director
(559) 487-5940
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2021
FAMILY RANCH, INC. SETTLES EEOC SEX DISCRIMINATION CHARGE FOR $55,000
Central Valley Farm Labor Contractor Discriminated Against LGBT Employees, Federal Agency Charged
FRESNO, Calif. – Family Ranch, Inc., a Central Valley farm labor contractor, has settled a federal charge of sex discrimination and retaliation filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for $55,000 and other injunctive relief, the federal agency announced today.
According to the EEOC, Family Ranch unfairly disciplined two female employees, singled them out because of their sexual orientation, segregated them from other employees, and subjected them to harassment. One victim also alleged that the company failed to recall her to work in retaliation for multiple complaints.
The EEOC investigated the allegations and found reasonable cause to believe that Family Ranch violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Without admitting liability, Family Ranch has agreed to enter into a two-year conciliation agreement with the EEOC. The company has agreed to pay $55,000 in compensatory damages. In addition, the company has agreed to revise its equal employment opportunity policies regarding discrimination and harassment and create an investigation procedure policy for complaints of discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Family Ranch has also agreed to translate these policies into Spanish, distribute the new policies to all employees, and provide training on Title VII with a specific emphasis on sex and sexual orientation discrimination to all its employees and management. The EEOC will monitor compliance with this agreement.
“We commend Family Ranch, Inc. for choosing to put in place changes that will have a significant impact on their workplace,” said Melissa Barrios, director of the EEOC’s Fresno local office. “Addressing sexual orientation discrimination is one of the six national priorities for the EEOC. Employers should review their current policies and practices to confirm that they comply with federal law.”
Addressing LGBT discrimination is one of the six national priorities identified by the Commission’s Strategic Enforcement Plan (SEP).
The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.
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