GLASGOW, Mont. (NMB) – The Billings Gazette reports that a northeastern Montana electric co-op has been ordered to pay over $2 million to the victim of a sexual harassment complaint against the General Manager.
Valley County District Court Judge Yvonne Laird upheld the state’s Human Rights Commission finding that NorVal Electric Co-Op General Manager Craig Herbert sexually harassed employee Shalaine Lawson and retaliated against her when she filed a complaint.
The incidents allegedly began in early 2017, with Lawson accusing Herbert of long-running inappropriate comments and touching.
Along with the monetary Judgment, NorVal has been ordered to amend its harassment policies, which will have to be approved by the Human Rights Commission. NorVal must also train employees on how to deal with discrimination complaints.
NorVal can appeal to the Montana Supreme Court, otherwise it has 90 days to pay on the judgment.
