March 28--An Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigation has found "reasonable cause to believe" that four women who filed a civil lawsuit against Ford Motor in November were discriminated against and subjected to racial and sexual harassment.
The EEOC also found evidence showing Ford retaliated against the women by reassigning them to less favorable job assignments or shifts, denying them overtime or transfers and disciplining or firing them, according to documents included as evidence in the suit filed in federal court in Chicago.
The suit alleges women employed at Ford's assembly plant on the city's Far South Side were subjected to lewd comments, requests for sexual favors, unwanted touching and groping and other forms of harassment and discrimination.
The women also claim they repeatedly sought help from Ford via its harassment hotline and its labor relations department to no avail. Instead, the women say they were retaliated against and told to stop calling the hotline.
Keith Hunt, the attorney representing the women, said he expects to amend the complaint in April to include nine other women whose claims against Ford also were investigated by the EEOC, as well as other women whose charges with the EEOC against Ford are pending. In total, Hunt said he represents about 35 women.
In 2000, the Chicago plant was part of a $9 million settlement over sexual harassment claims. Women in that claim were also represented by Hunt. The settlement also covered claims at Ford's stamping plant in Chicago Heights.
In a statement, Ford said it launched a thorough investigation in response to the allegations of harassment and improper conduct and is taking appropriate steps in response, including disciplinary action. It is also cooperating with the EEOC's independent investigation.
"Ford does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind, and we are fully committed to a zero-tolerance, harassment free work environment at all work facilities and to ensuring that Ford's work environment is consistent with our policies in that regard," the company said.
acancino@tribpub.com
