The National Association of Professional Women is a self-proclaimed “exclusive network for professional women to interact, exchange ideas, educate, and empower.” Four former employees of this Association have filed suit alleging sexual harassment and violations of New York State labor law.

These women have accused their former female manager of pinching and grabbing their buttocks as well as calling them vulgar names. The women stated that they complained and were then fired or forced to resign because of intolerable working conditions. A separate individual lawsuit was filed earlier this year by another employee, who also accused the same manager of grabbing her from behind and as well as having touched her breasts on several occasions.

The Association has denied the allegations. It asserted that an investigation was conducted and no corroboration of these allegations was found. The women also assert that the association illegally withheld commissions and bonuses from employees for being late or if they failed to follow sales scripts. A class is being sought to support the labor violation claims.