On January 15, 2025, the Law Office of David H. Rosenberg, P.C. (“Firm”) filed a verified complaint of sex/national origin discrimination (“protected classes”) and retaliation on behalf of its female client of Puerto Rican descent (“Complainant”) against Respondents A.V.S. Laminates Inc. d/b/a/ Steiger Craft, located in Bellport, New York (“Steiger Craft” or “Company”), it’s owner Alan V. Steiger (“Steiger”), and Richard Pfeiffer (“Pfeiffer” and together as “Respondents”) with the New York State Division of Human Rights.
According to the verified complaint, Complainant was subjected to a hostile work environment on account of sex. To this point, Steiger would typically:
Also during her employ, Pfeiffer would typically greet Complainant with words to the effect of “good morning sunshine”, “sweetheart”, and “cuteness”; and ask Complainant to “hang out after work” and to “get a drink.”
As alleged in the verified complaint, in or around July 2022, Steiger said to Complainant “Let me see your tits”. Complainant opposed the discriminatory treatment by saying “no” and “I am going to tell Erin [Steiger’s girlfriend].” Steiger warned “You better not” to which Complainant replied generally “If you can’t say something to a lady in front of your wife than you should not be saying that something at all.” Steiger laughed and told Complainant “She’s not my wife.”
According to the verified Complaint, in or around July 2022, Pfeiffer asked Complainant to “hang out after work, let’s get a drink” to which Complainant said “no.” Complainant complained to male finishing supervisor David Rowe (“Rowe”) generally, “Rich keeps asking me out and to go for a drink with him, he is creeping me out and he keeps doing it even though I have said no over and over again.” Notwithstanding her complaint, no investigation was conducted, no corrective action was taken, and no disciplinary action was given.
As alleged in the verified complaint, in or around October 2023, Steiger said to Complainant, “You’re a guy, a boy, show me your dick” in front of Komperda and Mathes.
According to the verified Complaint, on or around August 27, 2024, Pfeiffer placed his hands around Complainant’s shoulders and massaged them against her will. Complainant, frozen in fear, was able to physically break loose of Pfeiffer’s grip and further opposed the treatment by walking away. Pfeiffer asked, “What’s wrong, you don’t like being touched?” to which Complainant said, “No, and don’t ever put your fucking hands on me again.” Complainant then reported the entire incident to male boat salesman Joseph Zito (“Zito”). Notwithstanding her complaint, no investigation was conducted, no corrective action was taken, and no disciplinary action was given. On the contrary, Complainant was forced to endure the hostile work environment described herein.
As alleged in the verified complaint, on or around August 30, 2024, Complainant complained to Rowe, “Rich touched me, and I told him off.” Notwithstanding her complaint, no investigation was conducted, no corrective action was taken, and no disciplinary action was given. On the contrary, Complainant was forced to endure the hostile work environment described herein.
According to the verified Complaint, on or around September 5, 2024, Pfeiffer told Complainant, “Who the fuck would vote for Kamala, that woman should be shot in the face, who would be so fucking stupid to vote for her?” Complainant said, “I would, I’m a proud Puerto Rican” and began to walk away. Pfeiffer then said to the male co-workers, at a volume loud enough for Complainant to hear, “She’s a Puerto Rican cunt, she’s a Puerto Rican cunt, she’s a Puerto Rican cunt, she’s a Puerto Rican cunt.” Thus, Complainant believed Pfeiffer was referring to her, Complainant, as a “Puerto Rican cunt”.
As alleged in the verified complaint, on or around September 27, 2024, male boat builder Brandon Rufer said to Complainant, “Rich asked if I would come speak to you about why you were mad at him” in front of Zito. Complainant said that she did “not want to do this” and Zito said, “What the fuck, are we in junior high, what the hell is wrong with this guy?”
According to the verified Complaint, between approximately October 1 and 21, 2024, Pfeiffer did not report to work. On or around October 28, 2024, Complainant asked male human resources supervisor Anthony Mediate (“Mediate”) if Pfeiffer was fired to which Mediate said, “No, he will be returning Monday.” Complainant said generally:
“Rich put his hands on me over the summer and massaged my shoulders. He keeps asking me out for drinks after work and to hang out with him. It is very creepy and he called me a Puerto Rican cunt over and over again just before he left.”
Notwithstanding her complaint, no investigation was conducted, no corrective action was taken, and no disciplinary action was given. On the contrary, Complainant was forced to endure the hostile work environment described herein.
As alleged in the Verified Complaint, on October 29, 2024, Pfeiffer returned to work and said to Complainant “You’re a fucking bitch” in front of Rose who said, “I heard everything he said and that guy’s an asshole.” Pfeiffer loomed at and menaced Complainant with flailing arms and repeated profanity such as “you fucking bitch.” Steiger told Complainant “I spoke with my lawyer and he said I got to fire you.” Complainant was then fired on account of the protected classes and in retaliation of her opposition to discriminatory practices.
If you or someone you know is suffering at work, please contact the Firm at (516) 741-0300.
The information and allegations cited to herein comes directly from publicly filed documentation and are meant as a means of attorney advertising.