It’s been nearly forty years since sexual harassment was officially recognized as a form of workplace discrimination, but it’s an issue that remains prevalent in today’s office environment. From inappropriate gestures to unequal pay, it’s unfortunate that sexual discrimination is still alive and well. Here are three of the most common forms of sexual discrimination.
Physical Gestures
Whether it’s a hug that lingers too long or a seemingly innocent brush of the backside, physical gestures are a silent yet unsettling form of harassment many workers come in contact with every day. Supervisors and colleagues alike can be held liable for this form of physical harassment, as can the employer if they are informed of the misconduct and fail to take action. If this is an ongoing issue in your workplace you should contact an employee rights lawyer to discuss your options.
Spoken or Written Comments
Communication in the workplace, whether spoken or written, can be one of the easiest forms of sexual harassment to identify. Comments in the workplace that discriminate against a person’s sexual identity may violate multiple state and federal laws. Whether the harassing comments are occasional or consistent, each incident should be reported to human resources in order to be investigated and hopefully properly addressed by management. If your employer is informed of this form of ongoing harassment and fails to take action it may also be held liable for the inappropriate conduct.
Compensation
When two workers do the exact same work, they should be compensated equally. If there is a difference in pay levels based on gender, your employer cannot retaliate against you for inquiring about this issue. Comparing your pay stubs can be an impactful way to establish your worth in the workplace and help you fight for the compensation to which you are entitled.
For a free consultation of your sexual harassment case, contact Carter Law Firm and follow our Facebook page for the latest employment law news that is improving work conditions across California and nationwide.
