CALIFORNIA – Sunshine Raisin Company, also known as National Raisin, a dried fruit company based in California, is under scrutiny after being compelled to pay $2 million to settle a lawsuit for sexual harassment and retaliation filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The lawsuit filed by the EEOC reveals a distressing situation of workplace sexual harassment and retaliation against temporary workers at National Raisin. According to the EEOC announcement, many of the affected women only speak Spanish, adding another layer of vulnerability in this work environment.
The EEOC not only sued National Raisin but also the staffing agency that provided temporary employees to the company, Real Time Staffing Services. While the settlement focuses on National Raisin’s commitment to paying damages, the case against Real Time Staffing Services is still ongoing.
This case underscores an important reality for employers: responsibility towards temporary workers. National Raisin, despite having temporary staff supplied by a staffing agency, has been deemed responsible for the actions of its employees.
The lawsuit details how National Raisin exercised significant control over the temporary employees supplied by Select Staffing. Although technically temporary employees, the company directed their daily work and addressed their complaints.
The lawsuit describes severe acts of inappropriate sexual conduct perpetrated by a National Raisin employee, identified as “John Doe,” towards multiple women. These acts included unwanted touching, solicitation for sexual relations, and threats of retaliation if his behavior was disclosed. Furthermore, it is alleged that other male employees also engaged in sexual harassment.
One of the most concerning aspects of the lawsuit is the apparent lack of corrective action by National Raisin and Select Staffing Services. Despite multiple complaints, adequate measures were not taken to prevent harassment or protect the victims. The lack of effective policies to address sexual harassment was also highlighted in the lawsuit.
The case of sexual harassment at National Raisin Company is a reminder of the importance of ensuring safe and harassment-free work environments. Companies must take responsibility for protecting all their employees, regardless of their employment status.
