Il Fornaio Pays $3 Million to Resolve Sexual Harassment Allegations

Il Fornaio LLC, an Italian restaurant group with locations in Las Vegas, has agreed to pay $3 million to settle a federal lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The lawsuit accused the company of creating a sexually hostile work environment and retaliating against female employees who raised complaints, according to an EEOC news release.

Details of the Lawsuit

The EEOC alleged that supervisors and employees at Il Fornaio’s restaurants, including its Las Vegas locations—Il Fornaio at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino and Canaletto in The Venetian Resort—as well as approximately 15 other California sites, engaged in repeated sexual harassment. Many of the affected employees were teenagers, as noted by the Commission.

Described Pattern of Harassment

According to the EEOC, harassment included “forceful” groping in restaurant bathrooms, “multiple instances” of grabbing female employees’ private parts, solicitation for sexual favors, and verbal references to sexual activities. The EEOC stated that when female employees complained about the behavior, Il Fornaio often failed to address the abuses and retaliated against complainants, leading many to resign.

Legal Implications and Title VII Violations

The described conduct constitutes violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sex-based discrimination, the creation of a hostile work environment, and retaliation against individuals who complain about sexual harassment. The EEOC’s press release emphasized that at least 100 women were impacted at Il Fornaio workplace locations.

Response and Broader Context

Il Fornaio did not immediately reply to requests for comment regarding the settlement. Beatriz B. Andre, acting regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles District, which includes Las Vegas, reiterated the scale of the case and its impact on numerous female employees.

Settlement and Next Steps

The $3 million settlement brings resolution to the lawsuit but underscores continuing concerns surrounding workplace harassment, employee retaliation, and compliance with Title VII protections in restaurant environments. Details of any additional corrective actions or training were not provided in the EEOC release.

Source: reviewjournal.com.