Harassment is a serious issue in the workplace; it can be uncomfortable, debilitating, and have severe adverse effects on an employee’s well-being, as well as their state of mind at work. Far too often, this inappropriate conduct is allowed to occur between colleagues, or from employer to employee. Victims of harassment deserve to have their voices heard. The unbalanced and unchecked power dynamic created by these cases is unjust, and will not be tolerated by Bibiyan Law Group. Our team of expert Los Angeles attorneys are proud to represent victims of workplace harassment, and diligently work to pursue compensation on their behalf using every available legal avenue. Do not suffer in silence, and do not let abuse be perpetrated in the workplace; an experienced team of Los Angeles legal experts in your corner will maximize your chances of success in a workplace harassment claim. For expert legal representation, and an empathetic approach to justice in Los Angeles County, contact Bibiyan Law Group today at (310) 438-5555.
The United States Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) defines workplace sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances or conduct of a sexual nature which unreasonably interferes with the performance of a person’s job or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. These behaviors can range from persistent offensive sexual jokes to inappropriate touching to posting offensive material on a bulletin board. Sexual harassment at work is a serious problem and can happen to both women and men.
Laws on both the state and federal levels protect employees from sexual harassment at work. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. While Title VII is the base level for sexual harassment claims, states have sexual harassment laws which may be even more strict.
Employees should feel comfortable and free in their workspace; however, far too often, an individual or individuals prohibit this ease of mind with inappropriate words or behaviors. Oftentimes, these issues can be cleared up quickly and effectively by superiors who are attentive to the comfort and safety of their workers.
Employers that allow sexual harassment to contribute to a hostile work environment, or that engage in sexual harassment themselves, need to be held accountable. Examples of workplace sexual harassment include (but are not limited to):
- Sexual Bribery: Also known as “quid pro quo” harassment, this occurs when some type of reward is promised in exchange for sexual favors. Additionally, one may be threatened with termination or another form of punishment if the favor is not performed.
- Sexual Coercion: This applies to unwanted sexual activity that occurs when one is pressured, manipulated, threatened, or forced in a nonphysical way.
- Sexual Behavior: This common form of sexual harassment occurs when superiors or coworkers demonstrate unwanted sexual advances either subtly or overtly through words or physical means.
- Hostile Work Environment: This term applies to a work environment where demeaning or confrontational sexual language is commonly used or encouraged
Unfortunately, harassment is not limited to that which is sexual in nature. Other forms of workplace harassment include (but are not limited to):
- Sexual orientation harassment
- Racial harassment
- Religious harassment
- Disability harassment
It is important that victims understand that speaking out against harassment is the correct course of action. You should not legally get in trouble for honestly reporting harassment. It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against any employee who honestly reports harassment or any other violation in the workplace. If your employer is holding your report against you, such as denying you a promotion or leaving you out of important decision-making conversations, you may be able to take additional legal action against your employer for retaliation.
Steps to Take After Experiencing Workplace Harassment
There are steps that you can take if you experience workplace harassment. Some potential steps are:
- An employee who has been harassed at work may send the supervisor, manager, or human resources (HR) representative a written note explaining the situation in detail. The employee would be wise to make a copy of the written note in case a lawsuit occurs.
- He or she may ask other employees if they have been harassed in a similar manner and write down the names of all employees who have experienced harassment in the workplace.
- He or she may obtain a list of witnesses who witnessed the incident or incidents. It is important to have witnesses in case the victim contacts an attorney.
We Hold Employers Accountable. We Want To Help
Bibiyan Law Group is devoted to recovering the wages you are owed, and compensating you for any loss that your employer has caused. A legal expert from our Los Angeles law firm can get your case started with a free initial consultation today. Our contingency fee basis ensures that you will never pay out-of-pocket; that is, you do not have to pay any fees unless you win or recover compensation.
Don’t wait- there are statutes of limitations, or time restrictions, on these types of legal matters. Contact Bibiyan Law Group today at (310) 438-5555.
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