ARE YOU A FEMALE EMPLOYEE IN THE SILICON VALLEY WHO HAS BEEN FIGHTING TO ADVANCE IN YOUR COMPANY? IF YOU ARE CONSISTENTLY BEING PASSED OVER FOR PROMOTIONS BY MALE COWORKERS, YOU MAY HAVE HIT THE “GLASS CEILING.”
The “Glass Ceiling” is a phenomenon that occurs when individuals with certain characteristics cannot advance beyond a certain point within a given company. The “glass ceiling” is best illustrated by imagining the hierarchy of a company as a pyramid. The bottom of the pyramid consists of a large number of workers who do the daily work. As one progresses up the pyramid one encounters managers and directors. Further up on the pyramid are vice presidents, senior vice presidents, and executive vice presidents. The Chairman of the Board and the President are located at the top point of the pyramid.
The “glass ceiling” exists whenever an imaginary line can be horizontally drawn through the pyramid and we find that all of the people above all have some similar characteristic. For example, if all the people above the line are white males, women and minorities may encounter the glass ceiling within that company.
Although the “glass ceiling” is an abstract concept, it is very real. Just recently, the Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission (EEOC) settled a “glass ceiling” discrimination case with Outback Steakhouse. The steakhouse company has agreed to pay $19 million for maintaining an environment of sex bias. The lawsuit alleged that female workers were unable to advance to hire paid managerial positions. If you have also hit the glass ceiling at your company, you should seek help to fight for your rights at work. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP are well versed in employment law and can help you assert your rights. You 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.
