Marriott settles
sex-harass lawsuit

The company pays $190,000
but denies the charges in the suit

Marriott Ownership Resorts has settled for $190,000 a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former employee, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced yesterday.

The lawsuit alleged the woman, a sales executive in training, was sexually harassed by her project director at the company's Oahu time-share condominium Ko Olina Beach Club Resort and that she was fired in retaliation for rejecting his sexual advances.

The company and its parent, Marriott International, have denied any wrongdoing on the project manager's part, according to an EEOC news release. The project director is no longer employed by the company.

The former saleswoman was a top producer among sales executives at Ko Olina, according to the news release.

The parties reached a settlement through mediation.

The company has also reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment in the workplace.

"It takes courage to come forward and file a charge. We hope other workers will be encouraged by this woman's bravery to take action," said Joan Ehrlich, the EEOC's San Francisco district director.