Minnesota’s Attorney General, Keith Ellison, announced that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights is joining a lawsuit against Absolute Drywall, a construction company accused of failing to address sexual harassment and assault allegations. The lawsuit, originally filed by former employee Norma Izaguirre, claims that the company violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act by not investigating her complaints of sexual harassment and aggression at the workplace.

Izaguirre, who worked as a construction worker for Absolute Drywall starting in January 2021, reported multiple instances of harassment by a coworker but was met with no investigation. In May 2021, she alleges that this coworker sexually assaulted and raped her at a job site in Eagan, after which she again reported the incident to her supervisor. Despite her repeated complaints, the company allegedly took no action, and the coworker faced no consequences.

"Nobody should have to endure harassment or violence in the workplace," Ellison said in a statement. “When you don't live up to those legal requirements, accountability is going to be coming your way.” The lawsuit also claims that Absolute Drywall retaliated against Izaguirre by stopping the assignment of work to her, eventually leading to her firing.

Rebecca Lucero, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, emphasized the importance of preventing such incidents in the future. "We want to make sure that what happened here doesn't happen to any other employee in any other workplace in Minnesota,” she said. The investigation revealed that Absolute Drywall lacked sexual assault policies or any reporting practices, something the state argues should have been in place.

The state is asking Absolute Drywall to alter its policies, implement proper reporting mechanisms, and compensate Izaguirre for damages.

Izaguirre, speaking through an interpreter, expressed gratitude for the state’s support and highlighted the broader issue of sexual harassment and assault faced by women, particularly Latina women, in the construction industry. "This is an acknowledgment of not only my truth, but also the unacceptable reality that women like me — Latina women — too often face sexual harassment and assault in the construction industry," she said.

In addition to the ongoing lawsuit, Absolute Drywall faces a labor investigation regarding allegations of wage theft at its Viking Lakes residential development site, further intensifying scrutiny of the company’s practices.

Additional Context and Implications

The case has gained attention as part of broader efforts to address issues of workplace harassment, particularly in male-dominated industries like construction. Advocates for workers' rights and gender equality have called for stronger protections and clearer policies to prevent such incidents from happening again.

Norma Izaguirre’s case shines a light on the often-overlooked issues of sexual harassment and assault that persist in the construction industry, where women remain underrepresented and often face challenges when it comes to reporting misconduct. Legal experts argue that this case could have far-reaching implications in how companies across the construction industry handle harassment and worker rights moving forward.

Izaguirre’s legal victory is not only a personal triumph but also a step toward making workplaces safer for future workers, especially for women in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Originally reported by MPR News.