New England Biz Law Update
LeoPalace Guam Corporation, operating as LeoPalace Resort in Guam, has agreed to pay $1,412,500 to resolve a national origin discrimination lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The EEOC alleged that, since at least 2015, the resort provided non-Japanese employees, including American nationals, with less favorable wages, benefits, and employment conditions compared to Japanese employees in similar or lesser positions.
The EEOC’s lawsuit claimed that LeoPalace’s practices violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on national origin. The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Territory of Guam.
Settlement terms
Beyond the monetary settlement, LeoPalace has agreed to implement several corrective measures:
- External monitoring: An external equal employment opportunity monitor will oversee compliance, conduct training sessions, review policies and procedures, and facilitate the reinstatement of former employees interested in returning to LeoPalace.
- Periodic audits: The appointed monitor will perform regular audits and report findings to the EEOC to ensure ongoing adherence to equitable employment practices.
The consent decree formalizing the settlement was approved by Judge Ramona V. Manglona last month and will remain under court supervision for three years.
EEOC’s stance on anti-American bias
Following the settlement, EEOC Acting Chair Andrea Lucas emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting American workers from anti-American bias.
Lucas highlighted that unlawful bias against American workers is a significant issue in various industries, with some employers favoring illegal aliens, migrant workers, or visa holders over American workers.
The settlement underscores the EEOC’s dedication to enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws and ensuring equal employment opportunities regardless of national origin.
Employers should evaluate their employment practices to ensure compliance with Title VII and to prevent any form of national origin discrimination.
