Bojangles’ Restaurants, Inc. Resolves Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Case

Background

Bojangles’ Restaurants, Inc., a Delaware-based fast-food chain, has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The case centered around allegations that a female employee in Greensboro, North Carolina, was subjected to repeated sexual harassment by the restaurant's general manager from March 2020 to June 2020.

The harassment reportedly included inappropriate comments and physical contact. When the employee reported the behavior, she faced retaliation in the form of being denied access to a management training program and was transferred to another location.

Settlement

The two-year consent decree resolves the case with Bojangles paying $20,000 in damages to the affected employee. Additionally, the company has agreed to implement several measures to foster a workplace free from sexual harassment and retaliation:

1. Mandatory Sexual Harassment Training:
   All managers and employees in specific restaurants must complete comprehensive sexual harassment training.
2. Policy Changes:
   Bojangles is required to review and reinforce its anti-harassment and anti-retaliation policies.
3. Oversight and Monitoring:
   The company will be monitored for compliance, including submitting reports on harassment complaints and actions taken.
4. Accountability:
   The manager accused of harassment will not be rehired by the company.

Key Takeaways

• Workplace Harassment: Employees must have a safe, harassment-free workplace, protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
• Prohibition of Retaliation: Employers cannot retaliate against employees for reporting harassment or discrimination.
• Training and Compliance: Comprehensive and ongoing training for staff is essential to prevent future incidents and foster an inclusive work environment.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of addressing workplace harassment and implementing safeguards to protect employees. By settling this lawsuit, Bojangles has taken steps to improve its workplace policies, ensuring that its employees feel supported and safe.

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To maintain compliance and proactively address harassment in the workplace, businesses like Bojangles must invest in robust training programs. TAP Series offers tailored, online sexual harassment training designed to meet state and federal compliance requirements. These courses equip employees and managers with the knowledge to identify, prevent, and address harassment effectively.

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