Pushing Back Against Workplace Harassment
Were You Harassed At Work?
Co-workers, supervisors, owners or third parties such as clients or vendors can commit workplace harassment. It frequently occurs as verbal harassment and may include offensive jokes, comments, emails, websites or pictures.
While harassment typically starts with verbal or nonphysical acts, it can increase to violent levels. Employees may be threatened physically or with the loss of their jobs. In sexual harassment cases, victims may be subject to unwanted sexual advances, touching or quid pro quo tactics such as demanding sex in exchange for advancement or keeping their jobs. Sexual harassment can occur regarding gender identity and expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation and whether a person is biologically a man or a woman.
How Bad Does It Have To Be To Bring A Claim?
When harassment is so pervasive that it affects a person’s ability to perform his or her job, it may be considered a hostile work environment. A valid hostile work environment claim must be based on discrimination of a protected class.
Sexual harassment is very common, but there is also considerable harassment in the workplace concerning race, ethnicity and religion. For example, following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, discrimination and harassment have increased dramatically against people of Middle Eastern descent and/or who are Muslim.
Harassment based on age is also far too common.
No one should be subject to harassment or a hostile work environment. We represent people who are victims of all types of employment harassment.
Tell Us About Your Specific Situation
To schedule a free consultation, please call 415-445-0900 or contact us online.