When an employee makes a complaint about sexual harassment, employers need to act quickly and seriously. Federal law, specifically Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace. A Florida Walmart in DeFuniak Springs was sued by the EEOC when it failed to act after a female employee reported that a male employee was making sexual comments about her body. She complained to several managers, but the male employee was never disciplined, nor was any corrective action taken by management. Walmart now has to pay the female employee $30,000 to settle an EEOC lawsuit.
The high price of allowing sexual harassment in the workplace
In addition to monetary relief to the victim, Walmart will also be required to train supervisors and managers at the DeFuniak Springs store on Title VII and prevention of harassment in the workplace. All employees at the store will receive copies of harassment policies. An attorney for the EEOC stated, “Employers should foster an atmosphere where sexual harassment is not tolerated.”
Sexual harassment continues to be a problem in the workplace
The #MeToo movement amplified the voices of many workers who experienced sexual harassment and abuse on the job. According to the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, “no single analysis will ever be able to capture the full scope and impact of sex harassment in the workplace.” Even with all the efforts of the #MeToo movement, many people never report their harassment. Of those who do report, it’s estimated that around 70% of the victims experience retaliation. They are fired, receive poor performance evaluations, or are simply treated poorly at work. Retaliation is also prohibited under Title VII.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is wrong. Employers need to act or face the consequences.
The EEOC provides more information about sexual harassment in the workplace on their website. For information about retaliation, visit this page.
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