Illinois company to pay $302,500 over harassment claims

HILLSBORO, Mo. — A home health care provider has agreed to pay more than $302,500 in back pay and damages to settle sexual harassment claims by three St. Louis-area women.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (http://bit.ly/170dagR ) reports that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Moline, -based Help at Home last August. The lawsuit alleged that an area manager made offensive sexual comments at the company’s office in Hillsboro, Mo., and openly engaged in sexual activities there with her girlfriend.

Three employees complained in 2009 and were fired soon thereafter.

As part of the settlement, Help at Home agreed to provide training for managers and supervisors to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. The company will also post EEOC notices on sexual harassment in its 146 branches in 10 states.