Legal Question in Employment Law in Ohio

I have been working for a retail outfit for about 7 months now. I am an older guy 43 that works with mostly 20 something women. I never has fit in with the crowd though that is ok with Me. I am constantly being accused of things that I never had done and and simple stupid things that I would never do. About three weeks ago I have been the one they send home early if We are slow. I was told that a customer complained that I was stairing at her instead of her husband and made her very uncomfortable. My hours have been chopped down to 4 hours a week since. I know there are cameras and can prove that I did not do such juvinile activity. This is killing Me emotionally and now financially. I told my fiance about this and she feels I should start getting some legal advise.


Asked on 5/17/10, 12:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Neil Rubin Neil S. Rubin, Attorney at Law, LLC

This is a very difficult situation. If an employer gets a complaint about what could be considered sexual harassment, this employer must investigate in a timely fashion (usually before 48 hours have elapsed). If, during the investigation, the employer finds that there has been unwelcome conduct, the employer must do something about it. Otherwise, the employer may be sued for allowing sexual harassment to occur.

So, what can a person do to defend himself? I would recommend that you complain, in writing, to the HR department and your manager and tell them that you have done nothing wrong and are being discriminated against by virtue of the fact that you are a man and because of your age.

You should also request, in writing, an immediate investigation of the facts and state that the videos will vindicate you.

In response, they may fire you (but they can fire you for no reason at all anyway). However, you would have legal recourse for unlawful retaliation.

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Answered on 5/22/10, 4:11 pm


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