San Francisco club employee alleges years of harassment and retaliation.
An employee at San Francisco’s exclusive Battery club has filed a lawsuit accusing the private members-only organization of allowing years of harassment, discrimination and retaliation based on his age and physical disability. Rene Panti, 57, joined the Battery in 2021 as a dishwasher and claims the mistreatment continued for about three years. The lawsuit was filed in San Francisco Superior Court on earlier this month and lists 14 causes of action against the club. Panti says coworkers and supervisors repeatedly insulted him because of his age and visible congenital scoliosis. The lawsuit claims he was called names including “hunchback” and “crippled old man.” It also says a bar manager told Panti that he would not receive a promotion because of his appearance and age.
The claims go beyond verbal abuse. Panti alleges that coworkers made unwanted sexual comments and touched him inappropriately. According to the lawsuit, some of the alleged physical incidents may have been recorded by the Battery’s security cameras. Panti also claims the conduct became a regular issue for him at work and that reports to human resources did not result in discipline for the employees involved. One alleged incident occurred during a fire drill in front of other workers. Panti claims a manager referred to him as a “useless old man” and made a crude comment about his sexual function. The lawsuit says the remark was part of a broader pattern of insulting behavior directed at Panti.
Panti says he first reported workplace harassment to management in January 2023. Around the same time, his doctor reportedly documented signs of stress connected to his work environment. The lawsuit states that the situation continued after the complaint and spread to involve additional coworkers. The alleged treatment also affected Panti’s mental health, according to the complaint. He says he experienced anxiety attacks while at work, including one episode that was serious enough to require an overnight stay at San Francisco General Hospital.
Panti also claims Battery had provided an accommodation for a lifting restriction related to his condition. Panti claims the club later stopped honoring that restriction after he supported allegations made by another employee against management in October 2025. Panti alleges that club management knew about the conduct but failed to stop it. He also claims the Battery retaliated against him after he raised concerns and supported another worker. The lawsuit accuses the club of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wage violations and other workplace offenses.
The Battery strongly disputes the claims. General Manager Frank Kawecki said the complaint presents a one-sided version of events and leaves out facts about the company’s investigation and response to concerns raised during Panti’s employment. Kawecki also said Panti remains employed by the club and that the Battery plans to defend itself in court.
Panti is seeking compensation for lost wages and medical expenses, along with punitive and other damages. He is also asking to keep his job with reasonable accommodations. The lawsuit further seeks additional workplace training and new policies at the club.
Sources:
Elite private SF club the Battery hit with explosive harassment lawsuit
Elite SF club hit with harassment lawsuits after low-wage worker allegedly mocked as ‘hunchback’
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