Legal Question in Employment Law in Massachusetts
I have been working for the same liquor store for over a year now and have been sharing a Monday shift with the same.Over the last few months he has become aggressive towards me with asking me out making comments about my body type and making me feel uncomfortable by trying to hug me. Last Monday when leaving work he put his arms out to give me a hug and as I walked by him he actually tried to kiss me I walked out of the store I had forgot my keys came back in he was saying disgusting things to me as I was getting my keys. I walked out and went home.
The following Tuesday one of the managers I work with actually came in and he said when he was leaving "why don't I get a kiss goodbye" implying that he had seen the video tape or the owner had seen it they do often watch the tapes of the day. I did not know what to say or what to do or how to respond so I just say goodbye to him. the following Thursday after that I saw the owner he started to making kissy faces at me so I had assumed that he has seen the video tape and is making a joke about it all I do not know what to do since this is a small family-owned business and there is no HR and I fear that my hours will get cut or they will weed me out somehow if I do speak up about what happened to me thank you for your time
2 Answers from Attorneys
It might be helpful to you to talk this over with a lawyer over the telephone or in person. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you assess your options. Your concerns about retaliation are understandable, although you are in theory protected against retaliation by state and federal law. A lawyer can help you in speaking with the harassers and with your employer in a way that you can best protect yourself. A lawyer can also help you to pursue a legal case if that is something that you want to do. I have represented over 50 clients in sexual harassment cases and am available to talk employees about these types of cases.
The owner and the manager clearly do not understand the sexual harrassment laws. It is not appropriate action to hug or kiss a fellow employee. While there is nothing wrong in asking a fellow employee out unless it is prohibited by company rules. Once you said no thanks, that shoud have ended the matter, The fact he persists, is not acceptable.
I suggest you speak to an attorney and get assistance in dealing with this problem.
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