EEOC files case against a Jonesboro machine business on Friday for sexual harassment and retaliation

Little Rock, Arkansas – An industrial machine shop with locations in Jonesboro and Paragould, Arkansas, is under fire after the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit against the business on Friday morning alleging sexual harassment and retaliation.

In response to two complaints of sexual harassment made by women against the owner, Ranger Tool and Die Incorporated allegedly dismissed both of the complainants on the same day.

According to an EEOC press announcement, Ranger dismissed the male coworker as well after he opposed the women being fired for reporting sexual harassment.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which shields workers from sexual harassment and retribution, is allegedly violated by the claimed behavior, according to the EEOC.

“An employer cannot punish an employee for complaining about treatment that the employee reasonably believes constitutes discrimination,” Edmond Sims, acting district director of the EEOC’s Memphis District Office said. “Terminating an employee for a complaint creates a chilling effect in the workplace and discourages others from complaining.”

In the Eastern District of Arkansas U.S. District Court, the EEOC filed a lawsuit.