Company Changes Name to Avoid Sexual Harassment Charges

Manley Toy Direct, a Chinese-based toy company, is changing its name following the loss of a sexual harassment lawsuit. The Iowa-based toy company is avoiding paying millions of dollars in settlement fees to the victims in the lawsuit. This incident is part of an ongoing problem regarding company owners avoiding U.S. judgements.

An employee of Manley Toy Direct decided to sue her supervisor following a string of events involving sexual harassment. According to the victim’s accounts, employees endured frequent touching that continued to develop. Altogether, four victims testified against the toy company and received an award of $2.4 million. However, the company shut down before the victims were able to receive their settlement. Following the shutdown, a company tied to Manley Toy Direct initiated another company by the name of MGS International, LLC.

Shortly after, a news program discovered that Manley Toy Direct is associated with many other companies that changed their names following lawsuits. Although the name is different, the employees, supervisors, and building are all the same as before. Fortunately, there is a lawsuit developing against the owners of the companies, however, the victims are unsure of whether they will obtain money from the lawsuit.

Signs of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

It may be difficult for employees to identify sexual harassment when it occurs. Employers should provide training on handling workplace sexual harassment and inform employees on how to report incidents that may occur. Signs of sexual harassment include:

• Inappropriate touching
• Comments about one’s physical appearance
• Making requests of a sexual nature
• Making job advancements dependent on sexual favors
• Forwarding photos or videos with sexual content
• Forwarding literature with sexual content

These are just a few examples of sexual harassment in the workplace. It is important to note that courts often examine multiple factors before deciding if an incident is considered harassment. For example, victims may need to prove how their lives are affected by the harassment and how it interferes with their work. Courts may also take the severity and nature of the incident into consideration. The court needs proof of adverse behavior to hold the guilty party accountable.

What to Do When Sexual Harassment Occurs in the Workplace

If an employee experiences sexual harassment, it is important for them to know what steps to take to alleviate the problem. It is encouraged that the victim reads the employee manual first and report the incident to human resources or another company figure. If the problem persists, the victim should alert a supervisor about the harassment. After this step, legal measures should be considered. To develop a strong case, victims are encouraged to reach out to an employment lawyer.

Cherry Hill Employment Lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. Advocate for Employees Suffering from Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

If you or a loved one is suffering from sexual harassment in the workplace, you need the services of a Cherry Hill employment lawyer at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. Our lawyers work tirelessly to ensure that our clients have the best legal outcome in a case. If you are interested in speaking to one of our lawyers, contact us online or call us at 215-569-1999 for a free consultation. Located in Pennsauken, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout South Jersey.