Wisconsin Renovation Company to Settle EEOC Race Harassment Suit

Giertsen Company, a Waukesha, Wis.-based construction and commercial real estate renovation company, will pay $140,000 and furnish other relief to settle a lawsuit for racial harassment and retaliation brought by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, according to the agency Thursday.

The EEOC alleged the company violated federal law by creating a hostile work environment for Black employees, who allegedly were repeatedly subjected to racial slurs and comments, which managers witnessed and took part in. The EEOC said the company didn’t address the harassment after employees complained about the hostile work environment. Instead, Giertsen assigned one of the employees who ...