GRAND FORKS, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – A disturbing pattern of racial harassment and retaliation has been addressed by federal authorities at a Grand Forks-based manufacturing company. In a consent decree filed on Friday, September 20th, LM Wind Power Blades was ordered to pay $125,000 in damages as part of a settlement agreement.
The allegations against the company stem from complaints made by an African American employee who reported experiencing racial slurs, derogatory phrases, and threats while working at the facility. Despite these reports, the EEOC argued that LM Wind failed to take meaningful action to address the issue, instead firing the man in retaliation for his complaints.
The consent decree serves as a resolution of all claims made in the case, but it does not constitute an admission by either party to any allegations. The settlement requires LM Wind Power Blades to pay $62,500 each in wage loss damages and non-wage loss damages within 30 days of approval and receipt of the release.
In addition to this financial penalty, the company is required to keep a record of all reported racial harassment and retaliation for two years, serve as a neutral reference for the charging party if he seeks new employment, post a notice explaining the case and its outcome in conspicuous locations throughout the workplace, and have employees trained on relevant issues.
The decree emphasizes that LM Wind Power Blades must comply with these requirements within 14 days of any suspected violations. Failure to do so may result in further action by federal authorities.