Case: EEOC v. EASTERN ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS INC.

2:05-cv-04786 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Filed Date: Sept. 7, 2005

Closed Date: 2008

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On September 7, 2005, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission brought this action in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 against Eastern Engineered Wood Products (EEWP). The charging party (who had complained to the EEOC) was the Vice President of EEWP. The EEOC asked the court for injunctive relief and monetary damages, claiming that the defendant's employees had engaged in sexual harassment and retaliation. Specifically, the EEOC alleged …

On September 7, 2005, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission brought this action in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 against Eastern Engineered Wood Products (EEWP). The charging party (who had complained to the EEOC) was the Vice President of EEWP. The EEOC asked the court for injunctive relief and monetary damages, claiming that the defendant's employees had engaged in sexual harassment and retaliation. Specifically, the EEOC alleged that the charging party was subjected to unwelcome sexual advances from one of company's owners, and when he complained of sexual harassment, he was harassed by co-workers. Because of the hostile work environment, the Vice President was constructively discharged.

On November 9, 2005, the court granted the former Vice President's motion to intervene in the suit. A separate action filed by the EEOC against EEWP on behalf of the company's former President, who was discharged after he investigated the discrimination claims discussed in the present action, was consolidated with this case on February 10, 2006 for trial purposes.

The court dismissed the case with prejudice on May 24, 2006 as parties had reached a settlement agreement. The Consent Decree, which took effect on May 26, 2006, resolved both the case brought by the EEOC on behalf of the EEWP's former Vice President and the consolidated case brought on behalf of the EEWP's former President. The settlement stipulated that EEWP would be enjoined from violating Title VII and from retaliating against any person because of their cooperation with the EEOC's investigation. EEWP was also required to implement a sexual harassment and retaliation training program for its employees. EEWP's former President was awarded $1,900,000 and EEWP's former Vice President was awarded $1,200,000. The settlement term was two years. The docket sheet does not show any further enforcement; the case was presumably closed in 2008.

Summary Authors

Jennifer Gitter (3/20/2013)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

2:05-cv-04786

Docket

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Eastern Engineered Wood Products

June 13, 2006

June 13, 2006

Docket
1

2:05-cv-04786

Complaint

EEOC v. Eastern Engineered Wood Products

Sept. 7, 2005

Sept. 7, 2005

Complaint
14-1

2:05-cv-04786

Complaint in Intervention

EEOC and Renninger v. Eastern Engineered Wood Products

Nov. 15, 2005

Nov. 15, 2005

Complaint
18

2:05-cv-04786

2:04-cv-04490

Consent Decree

EEOC v. Eastern Engineereed Wood Products, Inc.

May 26, 2006

May 26, 2006

Settlement Agreement

EEOC Litigation Settlement Report (June 2006)

EEOC v. Eastern Engineered Wood Products, Inc.

No Court

June 30, 2006

June 30, 2006

Press Release

Resources

Docket

Last updated Aug. 27, 2022, 3:18 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against EASTERN ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS , filed by EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION.(cw, ) (Entered: 09/07/2005)

Sept. 7, 2005

Sept. 7, 2005

Clearinghouse

Summons Issued as to EASTERN ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS. One Given To: Counsel on 09/07/05 (cw, ) (Entered: 09/07/2005)

Sept. 7, 2005

Sept. 7, 2005

DEMAND for Trial by Jury by EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION. (cw, ) (Entered: 09/07/2005)

Sept. 7, 2005

Sept. 7, 2005

2

MOTION to Intervene filed by Jarrod L. Renniger as Intervenor Plaintiff filed by EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION.Memorandum, Proposed Order, Certificate of Service, Attachment. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum of Law in Support# 2 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order# 3 Exhibit # 4 Certificate of Service) (PETRAKIS, JONATHAN) **(FILED IN ERROR BY ATTY., ATTY. WILL SUBMIT ORIGINAL TO CLERK'S OFFICE FOR FILING)** Modified on 10/7/2005 (fh) (Entered: 10/06/2005)

Oct. 6, 2005

Oct. 6, 2005

3

Defendant's ANSWER to Complaint together with and Affirmative Defenses by EASTERN ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS. (Attachments: # 1 Defendant's Certificate Pursuant to Rule 7.1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure)(LICHTENBERG, DAVID) (Entered: 10/19/2005)

Oct. 19, 2005

Oct. 19, 2005

4

SUMMONS Returned Executed re: Doug Priest served Summons and Complaint upon Nancy Fekula on behalf of DEFENDANT EASTERN ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS by Personal Service on 9/29/2005, answer due 10/19/2005. (mbh, ) (Entered: 10/19/2005)

Oct. 19, 2005

Oct. 19, 2005

5

ORDER THAT A SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD ON 11/1/2005 AT 1:00 PM IN CHAMBERS. SIGNED BY JUDGE CLIFFORD SCOTT GREEN ON 10/21/2005. 10/24/2005 ENTERED AND COPIES MAILED AND E-MAILED.(mbh, ) (Entered: 10/24/2005)

Oct. 21, 2005

Oct. 21, 2005

7

ORDER THAT INTERVENOR PLAINTIFF'S DEFAMATION CLAIMS IS DISMISSED. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT THE DISCOVERY PERIOD FOR BOTH OF THE ABOVE REFERENCED CASES SHALL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 12/31/2005. SIGNED BY JUDGE CLIFFORD SCOTT GREEN ON 11/1/2005. 11/2/2005 ENTERED AND COPIES E-MAILED.(mbh, ) (Entered: 11/02/2005)

Nov. 1, 2005

Nov. 1, 2005

6

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge CLIFFORD SCOTT GREEN : Settlement Conference held on 11/1/05. (fdc, ) (Entered: 11/02/2005)

Nov. 2, 2005

Nov. 2, 2005

8

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac vice Admission filed by EASTERN ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS.Affidavit. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of John M. Nolan# 2 Affidavit of Diane M. Shelley# 3 Affidavit of Justin B. Cutlip# 4 Declaration of David B. Lichtenberg# 5 Defendant's Certificate Pursuant to Rule 7.1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure# 6 Text of Proposed Order Admitting John M. Nolan, Diane M. Shelley and Justin B. Cutlip Pro Hac Vice Admission)(LICHTENBERG, DAVID) (Entered: 11/03/2005)

Nov. 3, 2005

Nov. 3, 2005

9

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Admission filed by EASTERN ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS.Affidavit. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of John M. Nolan# 2 Affidavit of Diane M. Shelley# 3 Affidavit of Justin B. Cutlip# 4 Declaration of David B. Lichtenberg# 5 Defendant's Certificate Pursuant to Rule 7.1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure# 6 Text of Proposed Order Order Admitting John M. Nolan, Diane M. Shelley and Justin B. Cutlip Pro Hac Vice Admission)(LICHTENBERG, DAVID) **(DUPLICATE FILING, SAME AS DOC. # 8)** Modified on 11/4/2005 (fh, ). (Entered: 11/03/2005)

Nov. 3, 2005

Nov. 3, 2005

10

ORDER THAT JOHN M. NOLAN, ESQ., DIANE M. SHELLEY, ESQ. AND JUSTIN B. CUTLIP, ESQ. ARE PERMITTED TO APPEAR AND PARTICIPATE PRO HAC VICE AS COUNSEL IN THE CAPTIONED CASE FOR ALL PURPOSES ON BEHALF OF DEFENDANT WITH DAVID B. LICHTENBERG AS COUNSEL OF RECORD FOR DEFENDANT. SIGNED BY JUDGE CLIFFORD SCOTT GREEN ON 11/7/2005.11/9/2005 ENTERED AND COPIES MAILED. (mbh, ) (Entered: 11/09/2005)

Nov. 8, 2005

Nov. 8, 2005

11

ORDER THAT ALL DISCOVERY SHALL BE COMPLETED BY 2/10/2006. PRETRIAL MOTIONS OR MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT ARE TO BE FILED WITHIN 15 DAYS OF THE CLOSE OF DISCOVERY. THIS CASE WILL BE PLACED IN THE TRIAL POOL ON 3/10/2006. SIGNED BY JUDGE CLIFFORD SCOTT GREEN ON 11/9/2005. 11/10/2005 ENTERED AND COPIES MAILED AND E-MAILED.(mbh, ) (Entered: 11/10/2005)

Nov. 9, 2005

Nov. 9, 2005

12

ORDER THAT THE DISCOVERY PERIOD SCHEDULING PORTION OF THIS COURT'S 11/1/2005 ORDER IS VACATED AS IT PERTAINS TO THESE MATTERS. ACCORDINGLY, A NEW PRETRIAL ORDER IS ENTERED. SIGNED BY JUDGE CLIFFORD SCOTT GREEN ON 11/9/2005. 11/10/2005 ENTERED AND COPIES MAILED AND E-MAILED.(mbh, ) (Entered: 11/10/2005)

Nov. 9, 2005

Nov. 9, 2005

13

ORDER THE MOTION TO INTEREVENE AS PLAINTIFF IS GRANTED AS UNOPPOSED. INTERVENING PLAINTIFF JARROD L. RENNINGER IS PERMITTED TO INTERVENE AND JOIN DEFENDANTS STEVEN A. COLSON AND DOUGLAS F. COLSON AS DEFENDANTS. SIGNED BY JUDGE CLIFFORD SCOTT GREEN ON 11/9/2005. 11/10/2005 ENTERED AND COPIES MAILED.(mbh, ) Additional attachment(s) added on 11/18/2005 (mbh, ). (Entered: 11/10/2005)

Nov. 9, 2005

Nov. 9, 2005

14

Complaint in Intervention against INTERVENOR DEFENDANTS STEVEN A. COLSON and DOUGLAS F. COLSON filed by INTERVENOR PLAINTIFF JARROD L. RENNINGER, Certificate of Service. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(mbh, ) (Entered: 11/16/2005)

Nov. 15, 2005

Nov. 15, 2005

Summons Issued as to DOUGLAS F. COLSON, STEVEN A. COLSON. Forwarded To: Jonathan M. Petrakis on 11/16/2005 (mbh, ) (Entered: 11/22/2005)

Nov. 15, 2005

Nov. 15, 2005

15

Defendants' ANSWER to Complaint together with to the Complaint in Intervention and Affirmative Defenses by DOUGLAS F. COLSON, STEVEN A. COLSON, EASTERN ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS.(LICHTENBERG, DAVID) (Entered: 11/22/2005)

Nov. 22, 2005

Nov. 22, 2005

16

ORDER THAT 05-4786 AND 04-4490 ARE CONSOLIDATED FOR THE PURPOSES OF TRIAL. ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE CONSOLIDATION ARE DUE BY 3/13/06. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT THE TRIAL DATE IS SET FOR 5/16/2006 10:00 AM IN COURTROOM BEFORE HONORABLE CLIFFORD SCOTT GREEN. SIGNED BY JUDGE CLIFFORD SCOTT GREEN ON 2/7/06. 2/13/06 ENTERED AND COPIES MAILED AND E-MAILED.(stb, ) Modified on 2/13/2006 (stb, ). (Entered: 02/13/2006)

Feb. 10, 2006

Feb. 10, 2006

17

STIPULATION of Dismissal by JARROD L. RENNINGER. (BLUM, JOSEPH) (Entered: 05/24/2006)

May 24, 2006

May 24, 2006

18

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT Consent Decree by EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION. (LOCKE, CYNTHIA) (Entered: 05/26/2006)

May 26, 2006

May 26, 2006

Clearinghouse
19

ORDER APPROVING THE CONSENT DECREE FILED BY THE

June 13, 2006

June 13, 2006

Case Details

State / Territory: Pennsylvania

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

EEOC Study — in sample

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 7, 2005

Closing Date: 2008

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the former Vice President of a wood products company that was a victim of sexual harassment and retaliation.

Plaintiff Type(s):

EEOC Plaintiff

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

EEOC

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Eastern Engineered Wood Products (Bethlehem), Private Entity/Person

Defendant Type(s):

Retailer

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Title VII (including PDA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000e

Availably Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Monetary Relief

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Amount Defendant Pays: 3,100,000

Order Duration: 2006 - 2008

Content of Injunction:

Develop anti-discrimination policy

Discrimination Prohibition

Implement complaint/dispute resolution process

Provide antidiscrimination training

Retaliation Prohibition

Issues

General:

Disparate Treatment

Retaliation

Discrimination-area:

Discharge / Constructive Discharge / Layoff

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Discrimination-basis:

Sex discrimination

Affected Gender:

Male

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits

Private Party intervened in EEOC suit