A Massachusetts tire recycling company will pay $250,000 to settle federal charges that its owner and a co-worker subjected Hispanic laborers to sexual, racial and national origin harassment while retaliating against employees who complained.
Bob’s Tire Company Inc., a used tire scrap and recycling facility in New Bedford, agreed to the settlement and additional relief to resolve a discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the federal agency announced today.
The EEOC alleged that the company’s owner and a co-worker created a hostile work environment through constant harassment of Hispanic employees, including inappropriate comments, gestures and slurs targeting their sex, national origin and race.
When at least one employee complained to the owner about the harassment, the owner retaliated by mocking the worker for being in a romantic relationship with the harassing co-worker, according to the lawsuit. This response effectively approved the illegal workplace conduct, the EEOC said.
Federal lawsuit follows failed settlement talks
The alleged conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, race and national origin. The law also bars retaliation against employees who object to such discrimination.
The EEOC filed suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts after attempting to reach a settlement through its administrative process. The case is titled Civil Action No. 1:24-cv-10077-AK.
EEOC officials stress employer obligations
“The EEOC is committed to holding employers accountable for harassment in the workplace and to ensure every worker, regardless of their country of origin, is protected under the law,” said Kimberly Cruz, regional attorney for the EEOC’s New York District Office. “Employers have an obligation to prevent harassment from occurring, and the EEOC will hold employers accountable when they fail to prevent it or promptly remedy it where it exists.”
Acting EEOC New York District Director Arlean Nieto highlighted ongoing workplace retaliation issues. “Unlawful retaliation continues to be a problem in the workplace, and we will continue our efforts to ensure employers comply with the anti-retaliation provisions of the laws we enforce,” Nieto said.
The EEOC’s New York District Office oversees New York, northern New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The agency investigates and litigates against private sector employers for violations of federal employment discrimination laws.
