Scalo Restaurant Accused of Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Against Female Employees

Strategic Insights -

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Scalo Restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been charged with violating federal civil rights laws by allowing male managers to sexually harass female employees and retaliate against those who spoke out against the abuse. The alleged harassment included vulgar comments, physical touching, and graphic discussions of sex lives and preferences. Female employees who complained about the harassment were retaliated against by being terminated or having their hours reduced. This case highlights the importance of protecting workers who experience harassment from retaliation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Scalo Restaurant has been accused of allowing male managers to sexually harass female employees, including vulgar comments, physical touching, and graphic discussions of sex lives and preferences.
  • The alleged harassment was not addressed by the employer, and female employees who complained were retaliated against by being terminated or having their hours reduced.
  • The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against Scalo Restaurant alleging violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment, and retaliation.
  • The EEOC's regional attorney, Mary Jo O'Neill, stated that employers must act swiftly to address sexual harassment in the workplace.
  • The EEOC also highlighted the importance of protecting workers who experience harassment from retaliation, citing the anti-retaliation provision of Title VII.

Statistics:

  • The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico (EEOC v. VinoCibo LLC d/b/a Scalo Restaurant, Case No. 1:25-cv-00613-SCY-DLM).
  • The EEOC attempted to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process before filing the lawsuit.
  • According to the EEOC, the alleged harassment ongoing for years.

Sources:

  • U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) press release (no date provided)
  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (no specific section or date provided)