In March 1998, the EEOC brought this suit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Foster Wheeler Constructors, Inc. and Local Union 597 Pipefitters Association. The EEOC alleged that construction workers were subjected to racial and sexual harassment in violation of ...
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In March 1998, the EEOC brought this suit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Foster Wheeler Constructors, Inc. and Local Union 597 Pipefitters Association. The EEOC alleged that construction workers were subjected to racial and sexual harassment in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
One charging party filed his own suit, 1:98-cv-03217, in addition to intervening in the EEOC's case. After an extended discovery period, Foster Wheeler settled, agreeing to pay over $1.325 million and implement EEO training for its employees. The union pressed on with its case. In March 2002, the plaintiffs prevailed in a bench trial. However, the union appealed, and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals reversed, holding that the harassment was out of the union's control.
Jason Chester - 08/07/2008
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