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Press Release 04-05-2011

Howard Sheppard to Pay $32,500 to Settle EEOC Suit for Unlawful Retaliation

Company Fired Female Truck Driver for Complaining About Sexual Harassment, Federal Agency Charged

ATLANTA – Howard Sheppard, Inc., a family-owned trucking company, will pay $32,500 to settle a retaliation lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced today.

The EEOC had alleged that Sheppard fired truck driver Sarah Waller in retaliation for having made complaints about sexual harassment.

In addition to the monetary relief, the consent decree settling the suit includes provisions for equal employment opportunity training, reporting to the EEOC and posting of anti-discrimination notices. Sheppard denied any liability or wrongdoing in the suit.

Robert Dawkins, regional attorney for the EEOC's Atlanta office, said, "By coming forward with her discrimination charge, Ms. Waller's efforts will go a long way towards preventing future mistreatment of female truck drivers."

Sheppard employs over 400 truck drivers and other employees in Sandersville and other locations throughout Georgia.

The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.