Equal Opportunity Employment Commission v. Ethan Allen, Inc.

EEOC v. Ethan Allen: Harassment and Retaliation Settlement

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued furniture company Ethan Allen over claims that employees faced workplace harassment and retaliation. The EEOC, which enforces federal employment laws, brought this case on behalf of workers who allegedly experienced discriminatory treatment and then faced punishment for reporting it.

The case never went to trial because both sides reached a settlement agreement. Before settling, the court made an important ruling that helped the EEOC's position - it blocked Ethan Allen from using expert testimony about ink dating, which the company apparently wanted to use to challenge evidence. After this court decision, the parties quickly agreed to settle and asked the judge to approve their agreement, which the court did.

This case shows workers that the EEOC will pursue companies that allow harassment and retaliate against employees who speak up. While the specific settlement terms weren't disclosed, the fact that Ethan Allen agreed to a court-supervised consent decree suggests the company had to make meaningful changes to its workplace policies. Workers should know they have federal protection against both harassment and retaliation for reporting workplace discrimination.