By: Associated Press//July 15, 2011//
SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin building products manufacturer has agreed to pay more than $22,000 to settle a discrimination lawsuit brought by a former employee who says she was sexually harassed at the company’s Christmas party.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accused Richardson Industries, doing business as Richco Structures, of violating federal law when it fired Morgan Rae Brocker after supervisors allegedly reported to management that a supervisor had sexually harassed her at the party in December 2005.
District Judge Charles Clevert entered the consent decree Thursday that pays Brocker $22,500 and provides training for managers and supervisors.
Richco Structures has offices in Sheboygan Falls, Haven and De Pere and is part of Richardson Building Products division.
Richardson Industries CEO Joe Richardson III said in a statement Friday the company denies the EEOC’s allegations, but settled the matter to avoid further costly litigation.