Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in New York
Unprofessional Conduct
I recently had a meeting with my supervisor, who happens to be the mayor of the village I work in. I told him that I had a problem with the way a coworker was addressing me in a condesending manor. His respose was that I should ''grow a pair of balls and address her.'' This was not professional under any circumstance and I was offended by this.
Should I have any legal recourse from this comment?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Unprofessional Conduct
His choice of words were unfortunate, however it is probably not enough, if that is the only act you have, to sustain a lawsuit.
If however your complaint is with the other employee, and the supervisor's refusal to intercede, you may have a way to fight it. On the other hand, his suggestion that you try to handle it yourself prior to his interference may be a fair decision depending on the situation.
All in all, the situation is probably not worth your job or a lawsuit right now. After you address the issue with the co-worker, if she continues her derogatory behavior toward you, you should again approach the mayor, explain that you took his advice and then if he still refuses to act you may have an action.