Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Alabama
Sexual Harassment @ work w/only one witness
Here's the short of it:
I have two superintendents at my current job. They both have touched me unwantingly numerous times. I have made it VERY clear that it is not acceptable. Everytime I stand up for myself (this will be the third time), they try to find a way to have me terminated. I'm afraid this time they will succeed. One time, one of the superintendents put his hand down my shirt (not WILLINGLY DID I GO THROUGH WITH IT) and another female employee walked in. He said, ''It's not what it looks like!'' She replied, ''It's not right for the supervisor to have his hand down an employee's shirt.'' Anyway, I cannot report these incidents (which have been ocurring over the past year) because my corporate office will fire me over the superintendents to avoid a lawsuit. I'm pretty sure the female who witnessed one incident will not testify for me in court if it comes down to it. What do I do now? I'm fearful I'll actually lose my job this time. I live in Alabama, US, in Jefferson County. I am 23 and married (husband doesn't know about this; he'd kill them if he knew). I work alone 90% of the time. That's when the superintendents can ''do as they want'' without someone knowing. Please help! I appreciate it; I have no lawyer, either.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Sexual Harassment @ work w/only one witness
I have just joined lawguru and hope that you have followed the previous advice and have reported the harassment to the home office. It is against the law to fire you because you report sexual harassment. If you still need help, feel free to contact me-- I am in Jefferson County
Re: Sexual Harassment @ work w/only one witness
You need to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Companies have procedures and polices in place that you must go through when a complaint of sexual harassment occurs. You will need to contact the proper department at your company for this and file a report so an investigation can be performed. Finally, if you are fired b/c you reported these incidents, then you may have a wrongful termination claim against the company.
Re: Sexual Harassment @ work w/only one witness
You have to follow through with corporate procedure. The company will defend by saying "they didn't know". The company has to have an opportunity to address the problem. Report the conduct. You can also assume the conduct will occur again. Try to record (video camera or audio) the situation. Recorders come in all sizes (some very small). If you are fired because you reported the behavior you will have independent proof that it occurred.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
