EEOC Sues Farmacias Carimas for Sexual Harassment and Constructive Discharge

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Farmacias Carimas, a retail pharmacy chain, violated federal law when its manager subjected a female employee to a sexually hostile work environment, forcing her to resign, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed today.

According to the lawsuit, manager Khalid Yassin, nephew of the company's owner, Abdullah Yassin, attacked a female employee before closing the store at night, and subjected her to unwanted sexual contact. Khalid Yassin forced the employee onto the floor, forcibly grabbed and kissed her, and rubbed his genitals against her. The employee did not know of any process for complaining about the harassment and was forced to resign.

Such alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination because of sex, including sexual harassment, and constructive discharge. The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Yas Caribe, Inc. d/b/a Farmacia Carimas, Interamerican Unlimited Drug Inc. d/b/a Farmacia Carimas 2, Al-Teen, Corp. d/b/a Farmacia Carimas 3, Case No. 3:24-cv-01449) in U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process.

"Employers must implement safeguards to prevent sexual harassment, particularly when managers hold unchecked power and authority," said EEOC Regional Attorney Kristen Foslid. "Employers who utilize their positions of power to prey on vulnerable employees will be held accountable under the law."

EEOC San Juan Local Office Director William Sanchez said, "Federal law entitles employees to prompt remedial efforts to redress and prevent harassment. The EEOC will continue to combat sexual harassment and constructive discharge in the workplace."

For more information on sexual harassment, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-harassment.

The EEOC's Miami District Office is comprised of the Miami, Tampa and San Juan offices, and has jurisdiction over Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The EEOC prevents and remedies unlawful employment discrimination and advances equal opportunity for all. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.