ARE YOU TIRED OF HEARING SEXUAL INNUENDO AND CRUDE JOKES AT WORK? YOUR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EMPLOYER MAY BE GUILTY OF FOSTERING A HOSTILE WORKPLACE.
You may be aware of the “classic” examples of sexual harassment where a boss propositions an employee in exchange for a raise or promotion. However, did you know that there are many other subtle ways that you can be a victim of sexual harassment? In fact, if you are subjected to continual sexual innuendo and/or sexual joke or comments, you may be a victim of the “hostile workplace.”
The “hostile workplace” is a lesser known form of sexual harassment. However, this type of harassment is just as real and just as illegal. The hostile workplace environment occurs when an employer, manager, or co-worker does or says something offensive that makes you feel uncomfortable on the basis of your sex. The behavior or comments must be offensive. This means that if you and a co-worker enjoy exchanging sexual jokes, you are not a victim of sexual harassment. However, if your sexual jokes make another coworker uncomfortable, you may be guilty of harassment. In addition to being offensive, the harassing comments or actions must also be severe and/or pervasive.
Courts have held jokes, pictures, touching, leering, and unwanted requests for a date to be sexual harassment. If you have been subjected to harassing comments or actions, and your company’s management has failed to rectify this situation, you may be able to sue. To find out more, contact the knowledgeable attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP. You can reach us at can reach us at 1-800-ALAWPRO or 1-800-252-9776 for a free consultation. You can also visit us at www.discriminationattorney.com to learn more.
