Vice-President of NOW Meets with Mitsubishi Over Harassment

06/27/96

Rosemary Dempsey, vice-president of the National Organization of Women (NOW) has been in Tokyo campaigning for the settlement of a lawsuit that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) brought against Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing of America (MMMA) earlier this year. That lawsuit, the biggest sexual harassment suit in history, charges that MMMA created a "hostile and abusive work environment" at its plant in Illinois. The EEOC's suit alleges that women at the MMMA plant were groped, grabbed, touched, and forced out of their jobs, if they complained.

Speaking with Reuters, Dempsey, who is one of the United State's leading women's rights activists, said she was "optimistic" that Mitsubishi "will do what thy perceive is best for the company," and settle the suit.

Th EEOC's lawsuit seeks back pay with interest and benefits as well as compensatory and punitive damages that could reach $300,000 each for as many as 500 of the 700 women employees at the plant.

Activists are urging the the company to settle the case quickly, and to instate a program to increase opportunities for women and minorities. Activists plan to picket the parent company's general shareholders meeting Thursday and hold simultaneous demonstrations at its dealerships throughout the United States. Boycotts have not been ruled out, in the case that the company does not attempt to work the situation out, or if no further progress is made.

Dempsey met with Mitsubishi Motors managing director Taizo Yokoyama earlier Wednesday. She said although no commitments were made, the meeting was cordial.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel