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Local restaurant settles sexual harassment suit

Posted at 6:46 PM, Apr 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-26 21:48:17-04

A restaurant in San Ysidro will pay $27,500 and revise its policies and procedures to settle a male-on-male sexual harassment lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the federal agency announced Tuesday.

The EEOC accused Salum Revilla Enterprises LLC, doing business as Achiote Restaurant, of subjecting young male Mexican-American workers, aged 19-21, to sexual harassment, and retaliating against one of them after he complained.

The harasser, a 24-year-old man, secretly videotaped younger male co-workers using the men's bathroom, according to the EEOC.

Mario Campos, a harassment victim who complained, was demoted to busing tables from a server position, had his work hours reduced, was given an unfavorable work schedule and was issued excessive and unwarranted discipline, according to EEOC.

In addition to providing $27,500 for the harassment victims, Achiote Restaurant will revise its policies regarding harassment and retaliation; provide annual training for all employees and managers on anti-discrimination policies and practices; retain an equal employment monitor to assist with training and revising its policies; post an employee notice; and undertake record keeping and reporting to EEOC.

"We commend the employer for agreeing to implement comprehensive remedial relief to foster a discrimination-free workplace going forward," said Anna Park, EEOC's regional attorney for the Los Angeles District, which oversees San Diego.

"Small businesses are encouraged to ensure they EEO laws. EEOC is particularly mindful of protecting young vulnerable workers from harassment and retaliation like the ones in this case," she said.

The EEOC filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California after first attempting to reach a voluntary settlement.