Wisconsin McDonald’s owner agrees to pay $1 million in sexual harassment settlement
Missoula Mac Inc., the former owner of a McDonald's in southern Wisconsin has agreed to pay $1 million to almost a dozen former employees as a settlement in a federal sexual harassment lawsuit.
According to the Associated Press, the lawsuit was filed in April of 2011 from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). It came after a multitude of current and former female employees approached the group.
The lawsuit alleges that male McDonald's employees working under the company sexually harassed women since at least 2006. Consequently, one woman quit and two others were fired after they repeatedly complained about their male co-workers' behavior.
While Missoula Mac may be based out of Poynette, Wisconsin, the McDonald's in question was based out of Reedsburg and reportedly sold late last year. Missoula reached an agreement with EEOC to not only settle but also create a comprehensive sexual harassment training program, which also includes an administrative position to specifically handle these complaints and a hotline for victimized employees to call.
"Nevertheless, Missoula Mac has concluded that the most prudent course of action is to settle this case rather than spending the time and financial resources necessary to continue to litigate the matter in court," said EEOC attorney John Hendricksen in a statement.
To reach a settlement as large as the one at hand, both parties must have had to communicate openly and efficiently. If other entities are in such a case where they may want to end the suit as soon as possible without going to court, using a Wisconsin court reporter or transcribing service can help the deposition process go as effectively as possible.
