January 25th, 2012
Posted in 
HOUSTON, TX—The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against a Houston restaurant operator following sexual harassment and retaliation allegations brought forth by two former workers.
Philip Wattel, the owner of two Berryhill Baja Grill restaurants, allegedly subjected bartenders Kimberly Kulig and Laura Baatz, to sexual harassment from at least 2006 to 2008.
Wattel’s firm, Houston-based Simbati Ltd., is also named in the lawsuit. The firm has been charged with violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
According to the lawsuit, Wattel would group the two victims and exposed himself to at least one of them. After the bartenders complained about the conduct to Wattel himself, the store manager and a corporate human resources official, nothing was done to correct the situation and the harassment continued.
According to the EEOC, Berryhill did not have a sexual harassment policy at the time.
After the two workers complained about the harassment and filed charges with the EEOC, Berryhill gave Kulig a less than desirable working schedule and refused to rehire Baatz. Kulig was forced to quit her job in December 2007 and Baatz was terminated in February 2008.
Sexual harassment can include any unwanted sexual behavior or conduct, regardless of how mild or severe it is. Instances can include lewd jokes, propositions for sex, or even physical attacks. It is important to take action against the offenders before the incidents get worse. If you or someone you know has suffered from unwanted sexual conduct, seek the help of a top sexual harassment lawyer immediately.
Sexual harassment lawyers do whatever it takes to ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice. They will also work diligently to secure victims the benefits they deserve for their pain and suffering, including money damages and lost wages. With a skilled team of sexual harassment lawyers on your side, you can rest assured that your rights will be upheld and your workplace will be rid of all hostility.
Contact an acclaimed sexual harassment lawyer right away to discuss your options and file a case.
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