Exposed: Workplace Harassment in U.S. Alcohol Industry

Project WHEN Exposes: Harassment is prevalent in alcohol industry

In alcohol and service industry workplaces harassment is prevalent, as per Project WHEN reporting. While sexual harassment is the most common type of harassment exposed to the public, this issue runs far deeper. Many professionals in the alcohol and service industry also suffer from interweaving forms of bullying and discrimination, such as racism, ageism, and sexism, among others.

Project WHEN is working to make workplaces everywhere more respectful. WHEN stands for “Workplace Harassment Ends Now”. It is a nonprofit organization founded by Diane Stegmeier, with a focus on all areas of workplace harassment, including sexual and physical harassment, quid pro quo harassment, microaggression, bullying, job shaming, verbal threats, derogatory comments, discriminating or exclusionary behavior, and other forms of offensive conduct.

The alcohol industry is particularly highly susceptible to occurrences of sexual and physical harassment, microaggression, bullying, verbal threats, derogatory comments, and other forms of offensive behaviors.

Certain risk factors exist – such as workplaces that tolerate or encourage alcohol consumption, or workplaces that rely on customer service or client satisfaction – according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. As it relates to the alcohol and service industry, one such risk is workplace cultures that tolerate or encourage alcohol consumption. For employees working in this industry, not only is alcohol consumption allowed on the premises, but tasting the product being produced or served to customers may in fact be part of the job.

With every alcoholic drink, behavior starts to affect the people around, which may include the following:

• Anti-social behavior,
• Violent behavior that can lead to physical harassment,
• Injuries,
• Unsolicited verbal abuse, and/ or
• Sexual harassment.

The the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the United States has also identified that part of the risk in workplaces in the alcohol industry is the fact that it heavily relies on customer service or client satisfaction. Restaurants and bars may be overly focused on keeping outside customers happy, thus overlooking clients who harass employees.

Project WHEN’s research on workplace harassment has revealed an additional risk factor: work environments where employees rely on tips for their primary source of income. Bartenders and wait staff are often forced to ignore customers’ unwanted and transgressive behaviors to earn an adequate income.

Prioritizing sales, profits, and the pleasure of the customers at the expense of employees is one of the main reasons why harassment continues to prevail in the alcohol industry and the service industry as a whole, according to Project WHEN.

Breweries, wineries, bars, and restaurants are all affected by workplace harassment

As emphasized by the U.S. EEOC Select Task Force on the Study of Harassment in the Workplace, “Preventing harassment from occurring in the first place is far preferable to remedying its consequences.”

But there is a “look the other way” culture from many employers in the alcohol industry. This stops employees who experience harassment from filing complaints and just remain silent for fear of losing their jobs. This mentality and culture should come to an end in order to protect all workers from any form of harassment, according to Project WHEN.

Additionally, there is a percentage of cases where the harassment does not come from customers but from co-workers. Organizations in the alcohol industry often fail to take adequate action to uproot the destructive practices taking place in the work environment in the alcohol industry. These practices can be identified by taking a holistic approach to examining the company’s work culture.

When it comes to working culture, it is vital to cultivate a trusting relationship between all members of the organization. When there is trust, there is also an authentic sense of security. Employees will feel safe stepping into the workplace every day, knowing that no matter what happens, the company has its back. This is connected to establishing a sense of accountability in the workplace.

To hold the entire organization accountable, it is important to articulate to all employees, customers, and the community that the company is genuinely committed to creating a safe space for everyone.

Examples of Workplace Harassment in the Alcohol and Service Industry

Over the years, more and more stories of workplace harassment have been coming to light involving both small and large businesses.

Project WHEN collated 143 cases of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation in the alcohol, restaurant, and food service industries.

In 2021, Movendi International already reported about the wave of #MeToo reckonings that were sparked by Brienne Allan, production manager at Notch Brewing in Salem, Massachusetts, sharing her experience on her Instagram account. Then she invited women in the alcohol industry to share their stories of sexism and harassment via her Instagram account.

What followed was a stream of harrowing revelations of sexism faced by women within the alcohol industry, specifically the craft beer industry.

Below are real examples of workplace harassment that have been reported recently, with a focus on the alcohol industry.

Sexual Harassment and Retaliation at Justin Vineyards & Winery- 2/15/2023

A federal judge has denied a request to dismiss a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by the United States government against Paso Robles winery, Justin Vineyards & Winery LLC, and its Los Angeles-based parent company, The Wonderful Company LLC. Court records show that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accused the winery of failing to properly investigate sexual harassment complaints or prevent further sexual harassment.

The commission claimed that instead of addressing the complaints, the winery retaliated against employees who reported it. The commission, which provides oversight and enforces anti-discriminatory labor practices under US law, filed the lawsuit.

Sexual Harassment at Modern Times Beer – 5/19/2021

Following Brienne Allan’s Instagram revelation about stories of misogyny and harassment in the craft brewing industry (some that involved Modern Times Beer), staff members at the Oakland brewery went on strike and expressed via Instagram that they will not be returning to work until leadership takes appropriate actions.

Modern Times’ founder and CEO, Jacob McKean, addressed the issue and announced his departure from the company.

Racial Discrimination and Harassment at Founders Brewing Company – 5/2/2023

Naeemah Dillard, a former employee filed a lawsuit against Founders Brewing Company’s Detroit Taproom, alleging racial discrimination and harassment. Dillard claims she was forced to resign from her employment because of a racially hostile work environment, and that her complaints were ignored or met with retaliation.

The company has been sued for racial discrimination twice. Founders Brewing Company responded by stating that they are conducting an internal investigation, and Dillard is seeking lost wages and benefits, equitable relief, compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees, and other relief.

Harassment at Lord Hobo and Wormtown Brewery – 6/30/2021

After Brienne Allan encouraged women to speak out about sexism and harassment occurring in their workplace, multiple allegations have rained down on many breweries nationwide. This resulted in several leaders and brewery owners issuing apologies and stepping down from their positions including leaders at Lord Hobo and Wormtown.

The craft brewing industry is faced with the responsibility to quash existing systemic problems and lead major changes to prevent further incidents of harassment.

Sexism, Racism, & Harassment at O’Connor Brewing Co. – 6/19/2021

Several former employees of O’Connor Brewing Co. took to social media to share stories of sexual harassment, sexism, and racism that they experienced at the brewery. The allegations also state that O’Connor leaders have been made aware of such issues but they either did nothing or responded with acts of retaliation.

Due to these accusations, the brewery announced that a third-party investigation will be conducted and “redouble their efforts to ensure fair treatment to employees.

Sexual Harassment at Boulevard Brewing Company – 2/24/2021

Boulevard Brewing Company, a brewery in Kansas City, is under fire for turning a blind eye to sexual harassment incidents occurring within the company. Boulevard employees are speaking out online to put an end to this and demand accountability.

The company is left with the responsibility to acknowledge the issue and drive change in their work culture.

15 other case examples from the long list of Project WHEN

Source Website: Project WHEN