How do you fight verbal and sexual harassment at work?
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How do you fight verbal and sexual harassment at work?
My daughter works for a small oil tank removal company. The owner says sexual references in front of her. Also, the other manager makes fun of her weight and continues to tell her she is worthless. How do we address this without her getting fired? This has been going on for months and my daughter has been documenting these events.
Asked on December 14, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, New Jersey
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Sexual harassment at work is illegal--period. If your daughter is suffering this, she could file a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or its equivalent state agency in your state; or she could potentially bring a lawsuit. She may wish to speak with an employment law attorney (many provide a free initial consultation to evaluate cases) to explore her options.
Note that that there is no protection for being called worthless (unless the comments are because of sexual harassment or discrimination--i.e. calling her worthless because she is a woman), and in the majority of states no protection against having comments made about your weight.
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