As education and awareness about what exactly constitutes sexual harassment increase in Chaska, Minnesota, the old excuse of “boys will be boys” is losing weight. Those who subject others to sexual harassment of any kind in the workplace are being held more and more responsible for their actions.
A woman who says she was the subject of repeated sexual harassment and discrimination at her job filed a lawsuit recently. The woman worked as a part-time firefighter from 2008 to 2013 where her male coworkers allegedly would walk in the women’s bathroom when she was changing her clothes and taking showers. She also said she was subjected to comments and photos that were sexually explicit in nature and that her male coworkers would routinely walk around wearing nothing but their underwear, and sometimes nothing at all. Although she filed a complaint with the city manager and complained to the assistant fire chief about the harassment, nothing was done about it.
In addition to the sexual harassment, the woman also said she was repeatedly passed over for promotions to become a full-time firefighter when her test and application stores were tampered with. She maintains that other applicants who were less qualified with fewer certifications and less experience were repeatedly hired instead of her.
If you have been the subject of sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace similar to what this woman allegedly endured, you would be well-advised to consult with an attorney who practices employment law. Doing so may enable you to be compensated properly for your damages.
Source: The Salt Lake Tribune, “Former Utah female firefighter alleges sexual harassment,” Erin Alberty, July 29, 2014