A hostess at a Cape Coral restaurant says she was a victim of sexual harassment and retaliation.
Kayla Gutierrez filed her complaint in federal court against Ford's Garage Cape Coral LLC.
According to the complaint, Gutierrez began working at the restaurant in June 2021 as a hostess/expediter. She claims she was subjected to sexual harassment almost immediately upon beginning her employment. She claims male coworkers made inappropriate comments about her physical appearance, propositioned her for sex and touched her inappropriately.
Despite reporting these incidents in May 2022, Gutierrez alleges no action was taken by the company and no investigation was conducted. Instead, she says her working hours were reduced and the harassment continued.
After complaining again in March 2023, Gutierrez claims she was dismissed from her position.
Gutierrez accuses the defendant of sexual harassment and retaliation, both violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992.
She seeks compensatory damages, back pay and all other benefits, other compensation she lost, front pay including raises, reimbursement of expenses and financial losses resulting from defendant's actions, punitive damages, court costs, attorney fees and other relief.
Gutierrez is being represented by Benjamin H. Yormak of Yormak Employment & Disability Law in Bonita Springs.