The Il Fornaio casual-dining chain has been accused by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) of allowing female workers to be sexually harassed by supervisors and co-workers.
The women were subjected to “repeated, frequent and offensive sex-based remarks, and unwelcome physical touching,” according to the EEOC’s announcement of the lawsuit it filed against the brand. It refers to the victims as a class, suggesting that the EEOC will seek class-action status for the lawsuit.
The watchdog agency also alleges that management of the 20-restaurant chain did not respond to reports of the inappropriate behavior and discouraged other whistleblowers from coming forward.
“Employees were forced to continue working with the supervisors who harassed them, even after they complained,” the EEOC said.
"Il Fornaio has been made aware of litigation that has been filed against the company on behalf of certain former employees. As it has been for the past four decades, Il Fornaio’s commitment to our employees’ well-being and happiness is our top priority," Il Fornaio President and CMO Ted Laymon said in a statement provided to Restaurant Business. "We are completely committed to providing a positive work environment that meets our high standards and is free of all types of harassment.
"We have many channels available for employee concerns to be voiced and addressed and always encourage our employees to utilize these resources. Il Fornaio will be fully cooperating in the legal process."
“Harassment in the restaurant industry remains a persistent problem which requires employer vigilance to ensure proper mechanisms are working to address harassment before it permeates the workplace,” Anna Park, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles district, said in the announcement.
Il Fornaio is based in California.
Update: A statement from Il Fornaio has been added to the story.
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