EEOC Hits CA Hospital with National Origin Bias Suit

October 4, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – A Lancaster, California, acute care hospital has been accused of illegally discriminating against at least 12 Hispanic housekeepers.

A U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) news release said it had filed suit against Antelope Valley Hospital, charging the company discriminated against the Hispanic workers on the basis of their national origin.

In its lawsuit, the EEOC contended that there was tension between Hispanic and African-American employees in the Environmental Services Housekeeping (EVS) section of the hospital and that Hispanic employees were constantly ridiculed and harassed by supervisors and co-workers.

When one of the employees complained to the human resources department, her complaint was not appropriately addressed, according to the EEOC. The agency further asserts that while other management officials were aware of the harassment, Antelope Valley Hospital failed to take immediate, corrective action to put a halt to the hostile work environment.

The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of the employees, along with injunctive relief to prevent future national origin harassment.

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