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TEXAS RESTAURANT SETTLES ALLEGATIONS OF

WASHINGTON, D.C.--A Houston restaurant today agreed to pay $12,000 in back pay and civil penalties to settle allegations of workplace discrimination, under an agreement reached with the Justice Department.

Today's out-of-court agreement resolves a complaint filed by the Justice Department's Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC) in March 1999, alleging that La Trattoria Inc. discriminated against a former waiter of Iranian descent. In its complaint, OSC alleged that throughout the waiter's employment, the restaurant owner repeatedly used ethnic slurs when referring to the waiter, often calling him a "camel." Some workers allegedly heard the owner say, "Tell the camel to come over here" and characterize his work style as "camel-style work." OSC also alleged that after the owner began to refer to the waiter as a "camel," other restaurant staff began to do the same. The restaurant has cooperated with OSC's investigation and denies the allegations.

"There is no room in the American workplace for ethnic slurs," said John Trasviña, Special Counsel for OSC. "Individuals who are subject to verbal abuse about their ethnic origin have a place to turn to seek relief -- OSC is here to help them."

OSC was established in 1987 to ensure that all work-authorized individuals--U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike-- are not subject to discrimination because of their national origin or citizenship status.

Individuals interested in more information or assistance provided by OSC may call toll-free, 1-800-255-7688, or 202-616-5594 or write to:

Office of Special Counsel for

Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices

Post Office Box 27728

Washington, DC 20038-7728

Email: osc.crt@usdoj.gov