Two Fresno-area ag companies agree to settlement in LGBTQ discrimination complaint
Two central San Joaquin Valley farming companies have agreed to settle an LGBTQ discrimination complaint involving two women who say they were singled out because of their sexual orientation.
The women allege they were unfairly disciplined, segregated from other employees and subjected to harassment, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The EEOC investigated the allegations and found reasonable cause to believe that farm labor contractor Family Ranch Inc., a Central Valley company, and fruit grower Family Tree Farms violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Without admitting liability, Family Tree Farms in Reedley agreed to enter into a two-year conciliation agreement with the EEOC. The company is required to pay $40,000 in compensatory damages. Family Ranch must pay $55,000 in compensatory damages.
The farming company will also be required and provide training on Title VII with a specific emphasis on sex and sexual orientation discrimination.
“Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects employees from discrimination because of sex, which also includes sexual orientation,” said Melissa Barrios, director of the EEOC’s Fresno local office.
“It is imperative that employers are aware how serious the EEOC takes allegations of LGBT discrimination. We commend Family Tree Farms for agreeing to put in place measures to create a more inclusive work environment. I encourage other employers to review their policies and practices to do the same.”
Family Ranch has agreed to revise its equal employment opportunity policies regarding discrimination and harassment and create an investigation procedure policy for complaints of discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
Family Ranch has also agreed to translate the policies into Spanish, distribute the new policies to all employees, and provide training on Title VII with a specific emphasis on sex and sexual orientation discrimination to all its employees and management.
“Addressing sexual orientation discrimination is one of the six national priorities for the EEOC,” Barrios said. “Employers should review their current policies and practices to confirm that they comply with federal law.”
This story was originally published March 31, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
