The Phoenix office of the EEOC brought this action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, against Southwest Supermarkets, Inc. The complaint, filed in September 1997, alleged sex discrimination in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; specifically that a class of women had been subjected to sexual harassment.

The parties entered into a consent decree in November 1998. The defendant was required to pay a total of $1,000,000.00 to the class of female employees. Of that money, $800,000 was to be paid to current class members, while $200,000 would be placed in escrow for future claimants. The consent decree, in effect for two years, also prohibited defendant from participating in discrimination or retaliation. Defendant is additionally required to post a notice of rights and provide training for two years to all of its employees.

Jason Chester - 07/18/2007


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