Home Depot settles workplace sexual harassment case for $65K | FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul

Home Depot settles workplace sexual harassment case for $65K

AUSTIN, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 20: An employee returns a cart at The Home Depot store on February 20, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Home Depot has reported positive earnings and revenue, beating analysts expectations. The growth comes even as quarterly sales have

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) announced on Thursday that Home Depot has agreed to pay $65,000 to a former employee as part of a settlement agreement for failing to stop sexual harassment spanning multiple years.

Home Depot investigation

The backstory:

An MDHR investigation into Home Depot reportedly found an employee at a store in Fridley filed several sexual harassment reports over a span of approximately three years.

According to the press release, the employee was sexually harassed by three co-workers who made "unwelcome sexual comments, advances and inappropriate touching."

MDHR said Home Depot took "little to no action" when it came to the reports, and that inaction allowed the harassment to continue. 

What they're saying:

"My experience was deeply painful, and my goal in coming forward was not just to stand up for myself but also to raise awareness so that nobody else would ever have to go through what I went through," the former employee said in a statement. "I hope my journey and the policy changes outlined in the settlement agreement helps pave the way for a safer, more respectful environment for all employees." 

Settlement reached 

Dig deeper:

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Home Depot will pay out $65,000 to the former employee. Additionally, the company must enforce anti-harassment policies, provide training for employees, and ensure accountability for store managers. 

"Sexual harassment is a violation of the law and a denial of basic human dignity," said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. "It harms individuals' mental health, job performance, and well-being, while also undermining organizational integrity and productivity. Minnesota state law requires that employers create a workplace free from sexual harassment and assault. This agreement reminds Minnesota employers of this obligation."  

The MDHR said it will oversee the compliance of these measures over the next two years. 

The Source: A Minnesota Department of Human Rights press release.

FridleyCrime and Public Safety