Weis Markets charged with sexual harassment

Weis Markets is facing a sexual harassment lawsuit from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EOCC).

According to the suit, a supervisor at a Weis Markets in Mifflintown, Pa., made several sexual comments to a worker at the workplace, talked about committing violent acts, and on one occasion kissed her on the face without consent. Weis Markets, headquartered in Sunbury, Pa., is also being accused of failing to take corrective action against the supervisor after the employee reported the sexual harassment and the supervisor admitted to the conduct.

The EOCC said after the sexual harassment complaint was filed the company told the worker other employees were complaining about her and as a result, she needed to participate in Weis Markets’ employee assistance program (EAP).

The EAP referral required the worker to undergo a medical examination and disability-related inquiries. She would also have to release medical information to the company, and a company official told her the referral determined whether she would be placed on disability leave.

The employee refused and was suspended without pay before being terminated.

The EEOC filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

“Title VII requires employers to make diligent efforts to prevent and correct workplace sexual harassment,” said Philadelphia District Office Regional Attorney Debra Lawrence. “The EEOC will continue to hold employers accountable for their failure to protect workers from such abuses.”

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