By Josh Resnek
An Everett woman claiming sexual harassment and bullying by two employees at the city run Wellness Center on Broadways believed to be negotiating with the city’s lawyers for a settlement, according to sources close to the woman.
Those sources, citing the sensitivity of the matter the is believed to be negotiating sensitivity of the matter, refused to give details of the negotiations except to say, “this shouldn’t have happened. It is so wrong. Everyone knew. It should never have been allowed to come to this.”
The woman claims she was sexually harassed and bullied by the couple – a man and a woman – repeatedly and excessively, interfering with her rights to work in a proper environment as required by the law.
Those close with the case claim she was shouted at and demeaned in foul, sexually laced language and bullied, being talked to with anger and aggression making it impossible for her to carry on with he work.
The city has a long history of settling cases rather litigating them in court, according to information the Leader Herald has received from the city following a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) which the city fulfilled.
The city delivered to the Leader Herald last week information indicating that the city has paid out almost $700,000 in settlements with former employees who claimed they were terminated improperly, or harassed, or were protected under the whistleblower law.
All the claims were paid by the city’s liability insurers following negotiations between all the attorneys involved.
The city reported making three separate payments to former city employees.
Payments were made for $270,000, $180,000 and $225,000.
The parties to the lawsuits all signed agreements freeing the city from any charges they might have made in return for the settlements.
Going to court is much more costly and time-consuming. It can also be more embarrassing.