Man files lawsuit alleging a hostile work environment at the Mon Valley Initiative
A Pittsburgh man has filed a lawsuit against an organization set up to help rebuild communities in the Mon Valley, claiming he was the victim of a hostile work environment.
Sherman Jones, through attorney Sean L. Ruppert, filed the lawsuit against the Mon Valley Initiative in federal court on Wednesday.
The suit claims that Jones started working for the organization based in Homestead in October 2017 as an administrative assistant and was later promoted to an employment and financial coach.
Shortly after, a female employee allegedly began to sexually harass Jones, remarking on his physical appearance, stating he had “dreamy” eyes and nice buttocks.
The female employee also attempted to initiate physical contact with Jones, the suit alleged, attempting to hold his hand. When he pulled away, the filing contended she asked, “What, you don’t want to hold my hand?”
The suit also contended the woman was flirtatious to Jones, telling him on one occasion she thought he was “trying to touch (her) butt” when he was walking near her desk.
The suit lists another occasion when a group was carpooling to Harrisburg when the female employee asked everyone where the craziest place they have had sex. The filing stated the question embarrassed Jones, who did not want to discuss private matters.
Jones reported the female employee to management and was told other staff members had similar stories of inappropriate behavior or harassment about that individual, according to the suit.
However, after a meeting about the complaint, the harassment allegedly continued. Ruppert indicated Jones again complained, which led to a meeting with him, the woman and upper management.
At that meeting on May 16, Jones was forced to sit directly across from the female employee and describe her behavior as she interrupted him, Ruppert wrote.
Jones was terminated on May 18.
Mon Valley Initiative offers a safe, inclusive and tolerant workplace for its employees and all of the people whom we serve.
Jason Togyer, Communications Manager with the Mon Valley Initiative, said the organization offers a safe, inclusive and tolerant workplace for its employees and those they serve.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for any behavior that does not respect those values,” Togyer said. “As a result, MVI finds the allegations made by ex-employee Sherman Jones to be without merit.”
He added that MVI is defending itself vigorously against the allegations and looks forward to a successful outcome in court so they can continue providing services to people in three counties.
“MVI must decline any further public comment about this litigation at this time,” he said.
Jones is seeking compensation of lost wages, front pay, compensatory damages, court costs and attorney’s fees.