Government Sues Tyson Foods For Sexually Harassing Male Production Manager

Originally published by The Associated Press, June 17, 2002

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) — The federal government sued Tyson Foods on Monday, accusing the food producer of subjecting a male manager to sexual harassment and then firing him when he complained about a female worker's unwelcome advances.

The lawsuit also accuses Tyson of retaliating against another employee who witnessed the sexual harassment and gave statements in favor of the manager during an internal investigation.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court, alleging that the female worker repeatedly subjected the production manager to groping, propositioning and lewd comments.

Tyson, based in Springdale, Ark., fired the man after he formally complained of sexual harassment to the human resources department, it said.

The agency claimed that the woman began a campaign of intimidation against another female employee who corroborated the manager's statements. The intimidation included physical threats toward the woman and her family and verbal attacks.

"Men as well as women have the right to be free from sexual harassment at work," said Toby W. Costas, acting regional attorney for the Commission's Dallas office.

The Commission wants training for managers and policies to prevent and correct retaliation. It also seeks lost wages as well as compensation and punitive damages.

Ed Nicholson, director of media and community relations for Tyson, said the company had not been served with the lawsuit and declined comment.