Posted on 11/09/2005 2:31:32 PM PST by elkfersupper
The Weyco Inc. executive who gained global attention earlier this year for his tough anti-tobacco workplace policy is under fire again.
Howard Weyers, founder of the Okemos-based benefits administrator, has been accused of sexual harassment. Weyco Inc. also is named as a defendant in the lawsuit filed Oct. 19 in the Ingham County Circuit Court by former employee Christine Ramon.
A response to the lawsuit hasn't been filed, but attorney Erin Gravelyn of the Dickinson Wright law firm said she will "defend the claims vigorously" for Weyco and Weyers.
Ramon said she was advised to not talk about the case by her attorney, Carolyn Bovee.
The suit alleges Weyers harassed Ramon several times in 2002, including:
• Hugging Ramon
• Massaging her shoulders
• Inserting his finger in her ear
• Grabbing her buttocks
• Forcibly turning her around to embrace her.
The lawsuit also states that Weyco failed to act when Ramon complained.
Ramon is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000.
Weyco became famous last year when it terminated four employees who refused to take a test to determine whether they used tobacco products.
Since then, the company has been featured in newspapers and television news shows around the world.
Sunday's episode of CBS' "60 Minutes" featured an interview with Weyers, who talked about the company's policy.
In a statement, Gravelyn questioned the timing of the lawsuit.
"The timing and circumstances of the filing of the suit suggest that the plaintiff is attempting to take advantage of the attention Mr. Weyers and the company have received by bringing the smoking issue into the national forum," Gravelyn said. "That is unfortunate."
And he stuck his finger in her ear! That's just demented and gross.
No argument from me.
If her claim is true I hope she prevails and winds up owning the company.
If I had known 20 years ago what I know now, I would probably either be the owner of a radio station or extremely well off.
Now I am really calling it a night :)
Good night and pleasant dreams..............
"If this guy was instrumental in that action,..."
As the owner, he was the only instrument in that action. He also stated on a local station in Detroit, that he would like to get rid of all the fatties. Just that the law doesn't allow him to. He is planning to start an exercise program that requires attendence.
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