Female Latina workers who were employed at an orchid farm say they were harassed, groped, discriminated against and retaliated against. Now, a lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has resulted in settlements totaling $240,000.

The women say the sexual harassment occurred at the farm owned by Cyma Orchids Inc., one of the largest such farms in the country.

According to the lawsuit, the greenhouse workers were continually harassed and groped by various managers and supervisors, as well as the company's owners. In addition to sexual jokes, remarks and propositions, the women say they were subjected to unwanted touching, including on their buttocks and breasts.

Managers also apparently made discriminating remarks about the women's national origin. They allegedly said things like Mexican women are "lazy" and "do now know their place," according to Job Mouse.

The lawsuit also contended the women were retaliated against when they complained, as were others who tried to defend them. One male lead greenhouse workers was apparently fired for coming to their defense.

Cyma agreed to pay $200,000 in the settlement, while the former owner of the orchid farm, Taean Orchids, will pay another $40,000. In addition, as part of the settlement, Cyma is required to hire an equal employment opportunity coordinator to make sure all staff is trained on harassment policies, as well as EEO rights and responsibilities.

Cyma will also be required to track additional complaints using a centralized tracking system. Going forward, it is hoped that discriminating employees will be held accountable for their actions.

Source: Job Mouse, "Orchid farm to pay $240,000 for harassment, discrimination against Latina farm workers," Dec. 1, 2011