A female employee of HD Supply, Inc., one of the largest building materials wholesaler, just settled a lawsuit against the company regarding sexual harassment and retaliation in the workplace. The worker alleged that a co-worker repeatedly groped her breasts and crotch, forcibly kissed her, and engaged in other inappropriate behavior in front of customers. The employee complained to her manager who, in response, made a lewd gesture and laughed off the allegations. The Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission (EEOC), who brought the lawsuit on the worker’s behalf, also claimed she suffered retaliatory harassment including pranks and ridicule.

There are two main types of illegal sexual harassment. The first type of sexual harassment is known as ‘quid-pro-quo’ harassment. This is what most people consider ‘harassment,’ and it involves an employer asking for sexual favors in exchange for work-related benefits. Thus, if your boss asks you to sleep with him in order for you to get a raise, you are a victim of quid-pro-quo harassment. The second type of harassment is a bit more complicated. This type is known as the hostile workplace. Hostile workplace harassment occurs when an offensive behavior makes a worker feel uncomfortable because of his or her sex. The offensive behavior must also be severe or pervasive.

If you have been a victim of either hostile workplace harassment or quid-pro-quo harassment, you are not alone. In fact, in 2009 alone, the EEOC received over 12,600 allegations of sexual harassment. If you think you may have been a victim of sexual harassment, contact the team of employment attorneys at Law Offices of David H. Greenberg. You can reach us at 1-888-204-1014 for a free consultation. You can also visit us at www.discriminationattorney.com to learn more. Our lawyers will help guide you through this process.