Oregon farm settles EEOC sex harassment lawsuit

NYSSA, Ore. -- Schiemer Farms of Nyssa has settled a federal sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit involving one of its drivers and two female employees.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said Wednesday the farm agreed to pay the two women $14,500 and review its management policies as part of the settlement.

In its lawsuit, the commission said the farm fired the two women after they complained about a male driver who made vulgar remarks to them and rubbed his groin against one of the women.

The commission said employers should encourage workers to speak out about harassment rather than firing them for complaining.