STATE COLLEGE, CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — According to a federal report, multiple sexual harassment claims were filed and then ignored by executives at the Accuweather in State College.
The Federal Department of Labor says it found “widespread sexual harassment” at AccuWeather’s State College headquarters.
The Department of Labor’s report from January 2018, says more than two dozen current and former employees at AccuWeather say they witnessed sexual harassment.
The report says a woman claims she was fired because of her gender and sexual orientation.
AccuWeather paid a settlement of $290,000 last year and writes in a response to WTAJ:
“AccuWeather clearly denied the allegations and claims raised after the audit, and we continue to deny the allegations and claims. We determined it was much more productive and effective to use this opportunity to partner with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) voluntarily in order to further enhance our strong programs to promote the highest standards of workplace inclusion and diversity rather than spend time and money on protracted legal negotiations.”
“AccuWeather cooperated fully with the OFCCP on a workplace audit, and we both signed a Conciliation Agreement in June of last year. The agreement confirmed our compliance with, and implementation of, continuing and enhanced equal opportunity programs to strengthen our commitment
to diversity and inclusion.”
“It’s important to note that AccuWeather has been and continues to be qualified as a federal contractor.”
“Many initiatives have been in effect and others have been enhanced at AccuWeather both before and since the Conciliation Agreement with OFCCP to ensure AccuWeather is the most welcoming, inclusive, empowering and the very best workplace it can be for all our team members.”
Some of the many positive, proactive initiatives that are in place are: Annual engagement survey to obtain candid feedback from all AccuWeather team members Anti-harassment and diversity and inclusion training for all – from our Board of Directors to leadership to all team members, additional paid days off added, including Martin Luther King Jr. birthday and one day of team members’ choice to honor their diversity and background. Training for all managers to enhance onboarding and performance management
Concern Line established to ensure due process of complaints – to handle anonymous complaints; operated by outside third party. Updated handbook and policies written in enhanced clear language signed by all team members – to ensure no ambiguity of policy and that everyone understands our commitment to high standards. Leadership training offered to cross-section of team members.
Launched comprehensive integrated culture programs – with cross-section of team members represented at all levels of the company. Training on unconscious bias – offered at all levels of the company.
“Again, our objective is to be the very best, inclusive, respectful and empowering workplace we can be. Each of the last few years we have published internally that our #1 corporate goal is to emphasize that our team members are the heart of our success, and this standard is more than a top priority – it is embedded within our culture at AccuWeather.”
Charlene Zietsma, Business Professor at Penn State, says companies with sexual harassment allegations can be affected by those claims if their female consumers stop using their products.
“Vice Media has had this problem, Under Armour has had this problem, if they don’t fix it, they’re going to find themselves increasingly differentiated from their consumer base, and that’s a problem,” Professor Zietsma said.
She says we’ve seen businesses like uber experience internal issues after sexual harassment allegations gave them a reputation. She says AccuWeather could face these are problems.
“If you’re doing it to the women in your organization, you’re probably doing it to other people in the organization,” Professor Zietsma, said. “That’s the reputational damage that shows up with a company like Uber and other companies.”