EEOC files suit against Wal-Mart over Sam’s Club

Fresno, Calif. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claims some Hispanic employees at a Fresno, Calif., Sam’s Club were subjected to a hostile work environment.

The suit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court against parent company Wal-Mart Stores alleges that managers failed to stop repeated verbal harassment, including the use of derogatory words, against employees of Mexican origin.

EEOC officials say they filed the suit after attempting a voluntary settlement. They are seeking compensatory and punitive damages and creation of a formal complaint procedure.

Wal-Mart spokeswoman Michelle Bradford said the company works to ensure employees are treated fairly.