Lawsuit: Trucking firm owner harassed, then retaliated

The EEOC has filed sexual harassment and retaliatory discharge complaints against Mount Airy-based Mountain River Trucking after what employee Della Francis says was nearly daily sexual harassment by the company’s owner.

The owner allegedly bragged to Francis about the size of his private parts and his sexual prowess. He supposedly regaled her with stories of his sexual conquests. Francis alleges that she was fired when she complained of harassment.

The suit says at least one other female employee was subjected to the same behavior.

The suit asks for compensatory and punitive damages for the affected women and seeks to stop Mountain River from perpetuating a hostile work environment for women.

Final note: How will you, as an HR professional, handle an owner who may be sexually harassing employees? Your best bet may be to involve your company’s outside attorney. He or she may be better able to persuade the owner to change his ways.