WORKPLACE HARASSMENT

          You should not have to endure harassment in the workplace. Workplace harassment of any kind can interfere with job performance and cause lasting damage. You are protected under both state and federal laws against most types of workplace harassment, including those motivated by unlawful discrimination. Harassment because of age, race, disability, sex or sexual orientation, religion, national origin, and other protected characteristics is unlawful.
 
          There are many types of unlawful harassment. Perhaps the most common type people think of is harassment of a sexual nature. This includes
 
  • Unwanted sexual advances or comments aiming to reward or punish a worker according to his or her response.
     
  • Another type of sexual harassment involves sexual advances or comments so  pervasive over time that a reasonable person would find it difficult to concentrate on and perform his or her job functions.

 

          Note that harassment need not be sexual to be in violation of the law. Harassment of an employee because she is a woman, disrespectful treatment, unwarranted discipline, criticism, double standards, and demeaning words are only some of the ways that women are harassed in the workplace.

 

          Employees facing workplace harassment are often afraid to speak up, fearing that if they complain about the harassment, they will lose their jobs or face other negative actions by the employer.

 

          If you have been facing unlawful harassment of any kind at work, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your lost earnings and your emotional distress. You may also be able to assert a claim for retaliation if you’ve been fired or otherwise punished for complaining about harassment.

 

          If you are harassed at work or are fired, punished or otherwise retaliated against for trying to stop workplace harassment, you need an experienced and dedicated attorney on your side.  Call 510-886-4876 or email us today.