The Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain has agreed to pay $345,000 to six male employees in order to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit. The male workers alleged they were subjected to sexual harassment and assault by other male coworkers when employed at the restaurant. The harassers allegedly inappropriately touched the victims, made sexual comments to them, and forced them to simulations of rape. If this scenario is familiar, you can get help. Sexual harassment, whether done by a male or female to someone of the same (or opposite) sex, is against the law.

Sexual harassment laws are in place to protect workers from this unacceptable behavior. Under both California and Federal law, there are two types of sexual harassment. The first type of sexual harassment is known as ‘quid-pro-quo’ harassment. Quid-pro-quo harassment is the most well-known type, and occurs when an employer asks for a sexual favor in exchange for a work related benefit. However, quid-pro-quo harassment also covers harassment where an employer tries to blackmail an employee into doing sexual acts in order not to be fired. The second type of sexual harassment is known as the ‘hostile environment.’ This type of harassment occurs when a manager or coworker does or says something that makes an employee feel uncomfortable because of their sex. The offensive behavior must also be severe or pervasive.

If you have been a victim of either quid-pro-quo harassment or the hostile environment harassment, you have options. The experienced employment attorneys at Law Offices of David H. Greenberg are here to help you. Call us for a free consultation. You can reach us at can reach us at 1-888-204-1014 . You can also visit us at www.discriminationattorney.com to learn more.