Three female employees file harassment suit

Three female workers are suing Bio-Derm Laboratories for alleged sexual harassment in 2014.

Billie Jo Malota, Megan Malota and Hazel Harris filed a lawsuit on March 31 against the company, claiming violation of their civil rights.

While the three plaintiffs were employed by the defendant on May 23, 2014, a mentally ill worker masturbated in their presence, the complaint states. And when they reported the action to their supervisor, he allegedly did nothing to protect them from the behavior, it states.

The women allege that they were subjected to a hostile working environment and were constructively discharged by their employer’s actions. They claim that Bio-Derm failed to train and correct its employees in appropriate conduct. Specifically, they assert that Bio-Derm Laboratories knew about the sexual harassment but failed to stop it, engaging in a discriminatory practice willfully and with reckless indifference.

Citing lost wages and mental anguish, the plaintiffs seek undetermined compensatory and punitive damages; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorney’s fees; expenses; and costs. They are represented by Jonathan Wharton of Snow E. Bush Jr. of Longview.

Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas, case no. 2:15-CV-00446.