The pharmaceutical company Astra USA, Inc. has agreed to pay $10 million to settle a sexual harassment suit brought by approximately 80 women. Victims claim that they were expected to socialize, dance and have sex with top company officials and clients. When employees attempted to come forward with complaints, they were often fired or denied promotions, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
“It was constant, and you couldn’t complain,” said Lelia Bush, a former Astra employee, “There was no one to complain to.”
Ivan Rowley, Astra’s current president, issued a statement concerning the settlement. “It is important that we acknowledge that there were instances of sexual harassment at Astra. As a company we are ashamed of the unacceptable behavior,” said Rowley.
