The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws pertaining to illegal discrimination or harassment based on sex. In light of the #MeToo and #TimesUp sex discrimination and harassment movements, the EEOC has renewed their efforts to stop this type of workplace harassment in its tracks.
Just recently the commission announced seven lawsuits against employers across the nation, charging them with various forms of harassment sending a clear message of their resolve. With the announcement, the EEOC acting Chair noted that the recent high profile allegations demonstrate the systemic nature of workplace harassment. Because this behavior left unchecked negatively affects people’s careers and livelihoods for years, it is important to push back.
Among the companies facing lawsuits is a gulf coast shipbuilder that failed to stop a an employee from sexually and racially harassing a male coworker; a sexual harassment claim brought against a staffing company on behalf of a group of female employees allegedly subject to unwanted advances; and a California based printing company for not stopping a supervisor from alleged sexual harassment and then retaliating in response to complaints.
Given the scope of the abuses that can occur , the EEOC reports that a quarter of the complaints filed in recent years have to do with workplace harassment, adding up to nearly 100,000 discrimination charges per year. Because more than 80% of victims never file a formal complaint, the true number of employees harassed at work annually likely approaches a million.
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If you are a victim of sex discrimination or harassment in your Iowa workplace based on sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), race, color, religion, national origin, age (40 or older), or disability, or have been subject to retaliation, it is important to seek experienced employment law help. Contact Iowa workplace discrimination lawyer Marc Humphrey to discuss your case today at 515-331-3510.
