PA Human Relations Commission Orders Bucks County Steel Company to Pay $122,989 for Discrimination Based on Mexican Ancestry

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission ordered Fine Steel Inc., of Perkasie, Bucks County, to pay $122,989 to Alberto Sanhueza, of Pineville, N.C., for illegally discriminating against him based on his Mexican ancestry.  The order took effect Nov. 29.

Sanhueza filed a complaint alleging that Fine Steel harassed him based on his ancestry, and created working conditions that forced him to quit his job. Among the allegations, Sanhueza, who is a U.S. citizen, claimed the company owner threatened to turn him in as an illegal alien. 

Fine Steel failed to respond to the complaint, and the commission held the company liable for illegal discrimination. The commission held a public hearing to determine what, if any, damages were appropriate. The company also failed to attend the hearing.

"Harassing an employee because of where their parents were born is against the law, plain and simple," said JoAnn L. Edwards, the commission's executive director.  "Discrimination is not just illegal, it's bad for business."

Fine Steel was ordered to cease illegally discriminating against employees based on their ancestry and to pay Sanhueza $55,286 in back pay, plus interest, until payment is made. 

The company was also ordered to pay Sanhueza $1,256 for expenses, and one year's front pay, or wages he would have otherwise earned, of $62,400. Any gross earnings he makes during the year will be deducted from the front-pay award.

To date, the total payment ordered comes to $122,989. 

The company has 30 days to report to the commission on how it will comply with the order.

Media contact: Shannon Powers, 717-783-8266

SOURCE Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

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