January 26th, 2012
Posted in 
WISCONSIN – Two teen waitresses have filed a complaint against a Wisconsin IHOP over sexual harassment but the girls may not be able to recover damages from the actual restaurant chain.
Katrina Shisler and Michelle Powell were waitresses for the IHOP in Racine, Wisconsin in 2005. According to the girls, they were sexually harassed by their manager, Rosalio Gutierrez, how went as far as to tell Shisler he wanted to have sex with her “over pancake batter.”
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit on behalf of the girls, naming the restaurant, its HR, firm Flipmeastack Inc., and franchise owner Salauddin Janmohammed as defendants.
In addition to his lewd remarks, Shisler also said Gutierrez tried to proposition her “for three-way sex with his (allegedly) bisexual girlfriend.”
After Shisler reported the sexual harassment to the general manager, Michelle Dahl, she was told it “was “none of her concern” and “we’re done here.”
Powell alleged Gutierrez would pull her ponytail, telling her that she “liked it because she would like sex rough.” She also said he took her into a storage area and pressed his body against hers telling her he “would like to do her from behind.”
Powell also complained to Dahl but claims she did nothing to help her.
A court found both Gutierrez’s actions and the company’s inability to provide assistance to the girls enough to merit a sexual harassment settlement. However, the courts have yet to determine Flipmeastack’s liability in the matter. Shisler and Powell were granted a total of $105,000 in compensatory and punitive damages, but the damages could be lessened pending Flipmeastack’s role in the matter.
Sexual harassment is a serious issue that should not be ignored. If you or a colleague have been subjected to unwanted sexual conduct, seek the help of a sexual harassment lawyer immediately.
Sexual harassment lawyers will make sure the perpetrator is brought to justice and that you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. Your paralegal will make sure your workplace is rid of hostility and fear so you never have to worry about future harassment again.
Contact a leading sexual harassment lawyer today to get started on your case.
Tags: Compensatory And Punitive Damages, Eeoc, Employment Opportunity Commission, Equal Employment Opportunity, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Franchise Owner, Harassment Settlement, Ihop, Lewd Remarks, Michelle Powell, Racine Wisconsin, Sexual Conduct, Sexual Harassment Case, Sexual Harassment Lawsuit, Sexual Harassment Lawyer, Sexual Harassment Lawyers, Shisler, Storage Area, Waitresses, Way Sex