Sexual Harassment Claims Against Philip Morris USA Rejected by Louisville Jury.NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 18, 1996--The Louisville jury last night rejected all of Mary Wilson's claims against Philip Morris except one. The one finding for Wilson Philip Morris believes is in error. First, the jury rejected Wilson's claim of quid pro quo [Latin, What for what or Something for something.] The mutual consideration that passes between two parties to a contractual agreement, thereby rendering the agreement valid and binding. sexual harassment sexual harassment, in law, verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature, aimed at a particular person or group of people, especially in the workplace or in academic or other institutional settings, that is actionable, as in tort or under equal-opportunity statutes. or retaliation RETALIATION. The act by which a nation or individual treats another in the same manner that the latter has treated them. For example, if a nation should lay a very heavy tariff on American goods, the United States would be justified in return in laying heavy duties on the manufactures and and found for Philip Morris. Second, the jury rejected Wilson's claim of hostile environment See: operational environment. harassment or retaliation and found for Philip Morris. Inexplicably, however, the jury found for Wilson on her claim that she had been constructively discharged. Philip Morris believes this finding is in error because, under the Court's instructions, constructive discharge could have occurred only had the jury found sexual harassment. As noted, the jury did not so find. Further, Wilson remains a Philip Morris employee accepting the company's disability benefits. This finding is inconsistent and irrational, and Philip Morris believes it should be overturned. Plainly, Philip Morris is disappointed by this finding. The company is in the process of examining the verdict and weighing the company's options. Philip Morris will certainly seek relief from the court and appeal if necessary. As the jury found, Philip Morris acted diligently in responding to Wilson's claims once they were brought to the company's attention. Philip Morris takes pride in its long-standing and rigorous commitment to equal employment opportunity and is fully committed (Law) committed to prison for trial, in distinction from being detained for examination. See also: Fully to providing a professional work environment free from all forms of conduct which can be considered harassing or coercive. The company has a stringent policy prohibiting any sort of harassment, including sexual harassment, and does not tolerate misconduct by its employees. The company takes seriously any allegation of harassment, and fully investigate all such claims, taking corrective action A corrective action is a change implemented to address a weakness identified in a management system. Normally corrective actions are instigated in response to a customer complaint, abnormal levels if internal nonconformity, nonconformities identified during an internal audit or when appropriate. The company's commitment to these polices continues with full vigor. CONTACT: Philip Morris U.S.A., New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of Corporate Affairs 212/880-5000 |
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