Labor Commissioner Files Complaint Against Stars Cabaret for Harassment of Minors

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Byron Beck, GoLocalPDX Features Editor

Stars Cabaret

A labor complaint has been filed against Stars Cabaret in Beaverton alleging sexual harassment of minors.

Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian has filed a commissioner’s complaint against Stars Cabaret in Beaverton alleging sexual harassment of minors, the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) announced today.

An agency investigation will determine whether the company subjected vulnerable minors to conditions of employment that constituted sexual harassment under Oregon law.

The commissioner’s complaint includes charges that the company failed to take appropriate corrective action to address workplace discrimination and harassment. The charges also allege that during the period from July to September 2014—after police had arrested one of Stars’ managers on charges of sexual abuse and compelling prostitution of a minor—the club employed another female under 16 years of age.

“No worker—especially a minor—should ever have to face sexual harassment or abuse as a condition of employment,” said Labor Commissioner Avakian. “If other workers believe that they’ve being treated unfairly, they should contact our investigators. A Commissioner’s Complaint can shield the identity of vulnerable workers who fear retaliation and ensure aggressive prosecution if we find evidence of wrongdoing.”

Oregon law empowers the labor commissioner to file a complaint on behalf of the people of Oregon when the commissioner has reason to believe an unlawful practice, such as employment discrimination based on sex, has occurred. The Stars complaint is the seventh commissioner’s complaint filed by Avakian.

Commissioner’s complaints can be a valuable enforcement tool when vulnerable employees express fear of retaliation. Workers can start the complaint process by filing with the Civil Rights Division at [email protected] or by calling (971) 673-0764.

A previous commissioner’s complaint against Daimler Trucks North America resulted in a record $2.4 million civil rights settlement earlier this year, the largest in the agency’s history.

Copies of the commissioner’s complaint are public documents available on the agency’s website here.