3/28/2011 2:29:00 PM
HEADLINES
Employees File Suit Against Chicago Fastener Plater
Five women filed a $1million suit alleging the president of Chem-Plate Industries runs “one of the most egregiously repulsive and vile work environments on record,” soliciting them for sex, forcing them to watch porn at work, and bringing in prostitutes during work hours to service him.
In an email to GlobalFastenerNews.com, sales manager Oliver Baumann responded: “We are aware a lawsuit has been filed against Chem-Plate. Upon the advice of counsel, we will not comment on the specific allegations.”
“However, we deny that Chem-Plate has violated the law and we intend to vigorously defend against the claims that have been made. Once the legal process has run its course, we are confident that the company will prevail.”
Founded in 1979, the suburban Elk Grove Village, IL-based company specializes in heat treating, metal finishing and sorting of automotive fasteners.
Courthouse News Service reported the lead defendant is company president and sole shareholder Martin Straus. His son, Adam Straus, is listed as a co-defendant.
Chem-Plate sales manager Oliver Baumann provided the following company response to GlobalFastenerNews.com: “We are aware a lawsuit has been filed against Chem-plate. Upon the advice of counsel, we will not comment on the specific allegations. However, we deny that Chem-plate has violated the law and we intend to vigorously defend against the claims that have been made. Once the legal process has run its course, we are confident that the company will prevail.”
The women charge in the complaint filed in Cook County Court that Chem-Plate created a supposedly “confidential” hotline to handle harassment and discrimination claims, but the calls routed to a good friend, who then interrogated the complainers.
Courthouse News Service reported one former and four current employees say Straus often demanded that the company’s female comptroller “solicit female employees to have sexual relations with Straus at the Chem-Plate offices, during work hours as part of their employment responsibilities.” The comptroller also was required to bring prostitutes to the office and arrange a “threesome” with employees.
The suit alleges Straus keeps sex toys and pornography at the office and required female employees to watch pornography on his computer.
The plaintiffs complain that Straus and other male managers sent female employees into their offices “purportedly to deliver documents for signatures to the employees or Straus, despite the fact that there was no business reason for doing so, so that the male employees and Straus could look down the female employees’ shirts or up their skirts, or otherwise sexually ogle the female employees.”
“During work hours, while in the office, male employees groped, kissed, inappropriately touched, requested sexual services, and grabbed female employees,” the suit alleges. Straus “organized parties and events to entertain clients, employees, and suppliers utilizing alcohol, strippers, prostitutes and other sex based entertainment,” which they were required to attend.
The plaintiffs claim Chem-Plate created a “confidential” hotline for employees, which was handled by Irwin Brown, a friend of Straus.
“Chem-Plate hired Brown’s human resources business to conduct bogus ‘investigations’ into the complaints brought by [the plaintiffs]” where they endured “hours of interrogation” and were threatened with firing, according to the suit.
The suit also alleges the women were paid less than male counterparts.
The women are seeking an injunction and more than $1 million in punitive damages for harassment, hostile work environment, retaliation, battery, emotional distress and violations of the Equal Pay Act.
Chem Plate is headquartered at 1800 Touhy Ave., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. Tel: 847 640-1600 Fax 847 640-1699 E-mail: sales@chemplateindustries.com Web: chemplateindustries.com ©2011 GlobalFastenerNews.com
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