A federal court in Texas has recently affirmed a $300,000 jury verdict in favor of a SkyWest Airlines parts clerk who claimed she was subjected to a sexually hostile workplace. The decision upholds the original judgment which has drawn significant attention due to the allegations of severe workplace misconduct.
The case, initiated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), revolved around accusations that included unwelcome sexual comments, jokes and gestures, and suggestions of engaging in sexual activities for money. These claims led to a jury verdict in November that awarded the plaintiff $2.17 million, a figure later limited to $300,000 by statutory caps under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
SkyWest challenged the verdict, arguing that there wasn’t enough evidence to justify the punitive damages and that the company had made a sufficient effort to adhere to Title VII regulations. However, the court dismissed these claims, supporting the jury’s ability to award such damages based on the evidence presented.
Moreover, SkyWest’s bid for a new trial was also rejected by the court. The airline had claimed that prejudicial errors affected the trial’s outcome, but the court found these claims to be without merit, thus preserving the original verdict.
Amid these developments, the EEOC highlighted the court’s decision as a significant victory, underscoring the largest jury trial award in the history of the agency’s Northern District of Texas operations. The commission stressed that while the monetary awards were reduced, the verdict sent a clear message about the severity of the offenses and the workplace protections guaranteed under federal law.
Alexa Lang, the EEOC’s lead trial attorney for the case, commented on the broader impact of the lawsuit, emphasizing the commitment to protecting employees from hostile work environments and continuing efforts to support victims of sexual harassment.
This lawsuit is part of a broader initiative by the EEOC to address and combat workplace discrimination and harassment across various states. Recent actions include a lawsuit against a Michigan Taco Bell franchisee and a substantial settlement with an Alabama-based firm over discriminatory job designations.
These cases signify a continued focus by the EEOC to uphold the rights of employees and foster a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, despite shifts in priorities under different political administrations. The agency’s active stance on these issues highlights its pivotal role in enforcing fair employment practices.
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