Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Michigan

sexual harassment at a construction site.

I have built displays for a very large show. My wife and I learned that we lost are new baby at 7 weeks and i took it pretty hard. At the same time the company that request the man power to do a job. Kept harassing me that I suck___K and that is how I got the job. At first I could handle it and he kept saying it. Then they fired me because I said I was going to seek legal action. At this time my stewart on the job said they cannot fire me and I can go back to work. But his response was lets push this under the rug. I am very confused and I feel for women everywhere who have to endure this! Can Someone please help and shed some light on this


Asked on 1/20/08, 3:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
William Morrison Action Defense Center

Re: sexual harassment at a construction site.

You can get theoretical legal advice or practical advice - sometimes both.

The legal advice is that you may have, in theory, a cause of action in the form of a sexual harassment and\or a possible "whistleblower" complaint. However, since you're a union member, the union is your legal representative and you must go through its grievance procedure. Another problem is damages, i.e. if you win, you don't get any - given your current posting. Hurt feelings without an accompanying injury are not worth much. Lawsuits take time (2-5 years).

The practical advice is "push this under the rug" and keep your job. Yes, its insulting to have someone (you don't say who) call you a cocksucker. But, specialized construction (I'm assuming you help set up the auto show)is close knit and if you're known as a whiner/troublemaker, you and your family risk the cost of your long time unemployment in that trade if you continue to complain.

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Answered on 1/20/08, 8:55 pm


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