The Washington State Department of Transportation has agreed to pay $500,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a former employee who alleged gender discrimination within the agency’s regional office in Vancouver, according to the law firm who represents the woman.
Sharon Zimmerman worked for WSDOT from 2008 until early 2012, holding various management positions. During that time, Zimmerman encountered a hostile work environment, wasn’t given the same standing as her male counterparts and was relieved of some of her management duties after she filed a formal complaint, according to the lawsuit filed in Clark County Superior Court in 2012.
The move amounted to a retaliatory action, Zimmerman alleged, “sending a clear message that any employee who stands up for her legal rights will be subject to retaliation and hostile work environment,” according to the lawsuit.
In its response filed with the court at the time, WSDOT denied discriminating against Zimmerman. The agency this week declined to comment specifically on the case or the resulting settlement.
“We take all claims of inequality seriously and take action as appropriate,” WSDOT spokesman Lars Erickson said in an email. “We are committed to providing a discrimination-free workplace.”
Zimmerman claimed much of the gender discrimination she faced came from her subordinates. She said her complaints were either ignored or not addressed properly, and nothing was done to improve the situation.
Zimmerman left WSDOT in January 2012 after being “constructively discharged” based on medical advice against returning to the work environment, according to her attorney Stephanie Bloomfield. The agency characterized her departure as a “voluntary resignation” at the time.
WSDOT ultimately agreed to pay Zimmerman $500,000 to settle the lawsuit in August, according to Bloomfield. The agency also agreed to provide a positive letter commending her service and take several steps to address her concerns. Zimmerman also recently met with WSDOT Secretary Lynn Peterson, according to Zimmerman’s attorney.
“I couldn’t just leave and not do something,” Zimmerman said in a statement. “To do that would be to accept that what I experienced is okay and embolden the men responsible to continue this kind of conduct.”
