Final Judgment In Eeoc Sexual Harassment Case Tops $1.1 Million

A federal district judge this morning entered final judgment in an amount exceeding $1.1 million in favor of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and against Custom Companies, a Northlake, Ill., trucking company in a sexual harassment case brought by the agency under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

In a 50-page Memorandum Opinion and Order explaining the judgment, U.S. District Judge Harry D. Leinenweber was sharply critical of the founder and chief executive of the company and other top managers and granted broad injunctive relief affecting the companies’ business practices, including its use of “adult entertainment” (EEOC v. Custom Companies, Inc., et al, N.D. Ill. Nos. 02-C-3768 and 03-C2293, Mem. Op. & Order 3/8/2007).

“Defendants’ actions were reprehensible,” Judge Leinenweber wrote. “There was evidence of repeated touching . . . sexually explicit comments and jokes, sexual advances, and a sexually charged atmosphere. . . The harassment came from employees in positions of power.”

In determining that it was necessary for the court to enjoin the future conduct of Custom Companies, the judge wrote, “Circumstances indicate that Defendants might engage in sexual harassment in the future. The sexual harassment was carried out by several individuals still employed by Defendants . . . The president and owner of the company, [Perry] Mandera, was even involved in the retaliation.” Read more at eeoc.gov.