June 23rd 2024.
A brewery located in the bustling city of Atlanta has been ordered to pay a hefty settlement of $115,000 in a wrongful termination lawsuit. This federal case has brought to light allegations of racial discrimination and retaliation against a former employee of Iron Hill Brewery.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed the lawsuit against the popular restaurant, situated in the affluent neighborhood of Buckhead. According to the EEOC, Iron Hill Brewery discriminated against and retaliated against a Black employee, Jerrell McGirt, after he reported witnessing discriminatory behavior towards female and Hispanic coworkers. In their legal filing, the EEOC stated that McGirt was fired from his position as a sous chef-in-training after he raised concerns about the unfair treatment of his colleagues.
As reported by WSB-TV, the documents submitted to the court also revealed that McGirt had been subject to hearing racial slurs being used frequently at the establishment. The EEOC stated in a press release that McGirt had faced unwarranted disciplinary action and was ultimately terminated, which is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law prohibits retaliation against employees who speak out against discrimination and also prohibits discrimination based on race.
Despite efforts to resolve the matter outside of court, the case proceeded to a trial and resulted in a settlement. As part of the agreement, Iron Hill Brewery is required to pay McGirt over $100,000 in relief and provide him with a positive reference for future job opportunities.
Regional Attorney for the Atlanta District Office of the EEOC, Marcus G. Keegan, stated in a release, "The EEOC brought this lawsuit to defend an employee's right to speak up about workplace discrimination. This settlement sends a strong message that the EEOC will continue to protect the rights of individuals who have the courage to report discrimination against themselves or others in the workplace."
In addition to the monetary settlement, Iron Hill Brewery is also required to conduct training for their employees on racial discrimination and retaliation. This training will include examples of illegal retaliation in the workplace and the establishment of an anti-retaliation policy. These measures will be in place for the next three years.
As a nationwide chain, Iron Hill Brewery has yet to make a public statement regarding the settlement. This case sheds light on the ongoing issue of discrimination in the workplace and serves as a reminder that everyone has the right to speak up against injustice.
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