SALT LAKE CITY — A local pest-control operation with headquarters in Delaware has not done enough to prevent harassment by one of its managers against a group of female employees, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Terminix International Co., part of the ServiceMaster company, has been accused of allowing one of its managers to tease female employees, suggesting that they become strippers, wear only Vaseline to work and work topless. At least one of the women was forced to quit, according to a complaint filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Utah.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Terminix had not reviewed the case, but the company issued the following statement: "Our company remains committed to treating all associates fairly and equitably and does not tolerate behavior that does not comport with these values. Indeed, Terminix has a strict policy prohibiting sexual harassment in any form."
The company added that it is committed to providing employees with an appropriate work environment.
The lawsuit asks for a trial and relief, including a permanent injunction against discrimination; new company policies; appropriate back pay and compensation into the future for the women; and compensation related to their emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life and humiliation.
The commission is also seeking punitive damages on behalf of the women.
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