Employer Pays $650K to Resolve Allegations that it Permitted Harassment of Hispanic Employees

Pape Material Handling, Inc, has agreed to pay $650,000 to settle allegations that it violated Title VII when the nationwide company that sells, rents, and services forklift products permitted employees to harass Hispanic workers. Specifically, Pape Material Handling allowed employees at its Fresno, California, facility to engage in ongoing harassment of Hispanic employees that included mocking employees' accents and using derogatory slurs. Further, the company allegedly failed to address employee complaints, leaving employees to quit as the only recourse available in order to avoid the misconduct. In addition to the monetary relief, Pape Material Handling has agreed to: obtain an EEO consultant; conduct internal audits; review and revise its anti-harassment policies; create complaint procedures; develop a centralized tracking system for harassment and discrimination complaints; and implement training for its HR and hiring personnel.