EEOC Sues Scalo Restaurant for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation

Strategic Insights -

Scalo Restaurant, located in Albuquerque's Nob Hill neighborhood, has been charged with violating federal civil rights laws when its male managers allegedly subjected female employees to relentless sexual harassment and then retaliated against those who spoke out against the abusive conduct. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against the restaurant, stating that the harassment included vulgar comments, physical touching, and repeated requests for sex. The EEOC also claimed that Scalo failed to take adequate corrective action and ultimately retaliated against some employees by terminating or reducing their hours after they objected to the harassment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Scalo Restaurant allegedly subjected female employees to relentless sexual harassment, including vulgar comments, physical touching, and repeated requests for sex.
  • The male managers responsible for the harassment were in positions of power, allowing them to create a hostile work environment.
  • Scalo failed to take adequate corrective action when female employees complained about the harassment, instead choosing to retaliate against them.
  • The EEOC claims that the restaurant's actions are a serious violation of federal law, particularly under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
  • The lawsuit also highlights the importance of protecting workers who experience harassment from retaliation at the hands of the harasser.

Statistics:

  • The EEOC's lawsuit alleges that Scalo Restaurant's male managers subjected female employees to constant harassment for an extended period, allowing the abuse to continue for years.
  • The restaurant allegedly retaliated against employees who objected to the harassment, including terminating and reducing their hours.
  • The EEOC has jurisdiction over complaints in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and part of New Mexico.
  • The EEOC is the sole federal agency authorized to investigate and litigate against businesses and other private sector employers for violations of federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

Sources:

  • U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • EEOC v. VinoCibo LLC d/b/a Scalo Restaurant, Case No. 1:25-cv-00613-SCY-DLM
  • https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-harassment
  • https://www.eeoc.gov/retaliation