SEATTLE The Seattle Times reported the W Seattle Hotel was named in a Federal lawsuit alleging that some employees were sexually harassed by hotel management and guests, and that employees who complained about the incidents were further harassed until they quit.
Although unable to comment directly on the matter as it is now the subject of litigation, Tom Limberg, the hotel s general manager did make the statement that “the W Hotel Seattle maintains strict policies that prohibit all forms of harassment, sexual or otherwise. Employees are informed of these policies at the new employee orientation and everyone receives training regarding our anti-harassment policies. They are also taught how to report complaints when they are hired initially, and annually after that.”
Limberg also mentioned that each hotel department holds regular employee meetings at which these and other matters are discussed. “At these meetings, employees are welcome to raise any concerns or questions they have,” said Limberg. “In between meetings, employees are instructed to bring their concerns or complaints to the hotel s human resources director for review and action.”
The suit, filed just this week by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, seeks monetary damages and improved training for hotel employees. The hotel staff has been accused, according to the Times of “selling suggestive materials for staff and guests and failing to take action when staff members complained.” However, the lawsuit did not elaborate on what type of materials were sold. (5/30/01) Kelly Wayne