Posts Tagged ‘Wages’
Louisiana Woman Files Harassment and Retaliation Suit against Cardinal Health
April 9th, 2013
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Shreveport, LA- A New Orleans area woman filed an employment discrimination suit against Cardinal Health alleging that she was fired for participating in a sexual harassment investigation, following a fight at a local fast food restaurant.
Natasha Williams, who began working at Cardinal Health in 2003, filed her discrimination and retaliation suit last December. According to her lawsuit, Williams alleges that she was let go because of her race and her previous involvement in a sexual harassment investigation.
One day while Williams was on a break she was having lunch with her husband and her family at a fast food restaurant. While there her husband got into a fist fight with one of her coworkers. After the fight was over, Williams returned to her job where she met with two supervisors, and explained that she did not know why the fight broke out, the Louisiana Record reported.
Cardinal health sent Williams home and told her to remain on leave until a police investigation was conducted. Four days later, Williams’ husband told her that he was angry over text messages her coworker sent her. Williams however said she had never read the messages. The coworkers and Williams’ husband apparently got into a fight over the messages in late 2011.
Williams was allowed to return to work and she told her supervisors what she had learned. She was allowed to work her regular schedule until 5 days later when she was fired for not being truthful in an investigation, the Louisiana Record said.
Williams believed her race and her previous involvement in a sexual harassment investigation led to her firing from Cardinal Health. Williams is seeking damages for lost wages, back and future pay, attorney’s fees and court costs.
Retaliation is often par for the course in sexual harassment and discrimination cases. Though it is in clear violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, many employers take retaliatory actions against employees who accuse a coworker of sexual harassment or those who cooperate with harassment investigations.
Retaliation can include going so far as to fire and employee or taking other actions such as cutting a workers hours, denying them deserved promotions, or harassment by coworkers.
Harassment and discrimination can lead to a toxic environment in a workplace. Left unchecked a hostile work environment can affect a businesses’ turnover, worker productivity, and make an employer vulnerable to lawsuits.
Too often, sexual harassment and discrimination goes unreported in the workplace because people fear they will be unjustly disciplined or fired simply for bringing allegations against another to light. If a worker feels they will be fired for speaking out about inappropriate behavior, then the misconduct can persist. The law forbidding retaliation exists so that employees feel safe to report any behaviors that make others feel embarrassed, uncomfortable or humiliated.
Workers in Shreveport who have been harassed or retaliated against have a legal recourse and may be entitled to significant compensation. If you have been subjected to harassment, discrimination or retaliation a Louisiana sexual harassment attorney can make certain you get a just settlement for your troubles.
Sick and Tired of Working in a Hostile Office? Seek Help with a Sexual Harassment Lawyer
November 8th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Sexual harassment can happen to anyone and at any time. There are no specific guidelines for either offenders or victims, but the harsh truth is that too many people suffer in a hostile work environment on a daily basis.
Anyone who has been subjected to unwanted sexual conduct is entitled to seek legal help with a sexual harassment lawyer. With an attorney on your side, you can rest assured the best possible outcome for your case will be attained.
Sexual harassment attorneys help victims obtain justice for their pain and suffering. They will investigate the incident and if evidence is found against the alleged offender, will do everything possible so the perpetrator is brought to justice.
In addition, sexual harassment lawyers work hard to get victims compensation for what they have been through. The victims of unwanted sexual conduct may be eligible for thousands – or even millions – of dollars in damages – including medical care and lost wages – and with a legal representative spearheading your case, rest easy knowing that you will receive the maximum benefits you qualify for.
Sexual harassment doesn’t just have to be an act of physical violence. Incidents can involve looking at someone up and down in a provocative manner, overhearing a sexually lewd joke at the office, or even receiving inappropriate emails. If you feel embarrassed or afraid to come to work because of the hostility taking place, let an attorney know and file a case to protect your rights.
Don’t suffer any longer and schedule a consultation today with a top lawyer in your area to discuss your viable options and put an end to the sexual misconduct taking place at your place of work.
Sexual Harassment Can Happen Anywhere; Are You Ready to Take Action?
October 30th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Sexual harassment is something everyone has to worry about, regardless of their age, gender or race. Incidents that involve unwanted sexual behaviors can take place anywhere, creating a hostile work environment for not just the direct victims, but for anyone else who is around and noticing when the harassment is happening.
Instances of sexual harassment can include verbal incidents, such as lewd jokes, comments about a person’s figure or clothing, discriminative remarks about someone’s sexual orientation, or quid pro quo requests for sex in exchange for benefits like a raise or promotion. Physical sexual harassment can include someone blocking your way if you are trying to pass them, someone looking at another person up and down in a sexually provocative manner, or an actual assault attack that may include fondling – or more severely, rape.
No matter what the incidents entail, sexual harassment is unacceptable and victims are entitled to seek help immediately to stop the unwanted actions and ensure the harasser is brought to justice. If you or someone you know experienced sexual harassment or assault at work, in school or at any other place, turn to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately to file a case and protect your rights.
Victims of sexual harassment may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering, which may include money damages, medical care and lost wages. Sexual harassment lawyers do everything in their power to help victims obtain the maximum recovery possible and work diligently to ensure the incidents never happen again.
While victims can stop sexual harassment, many are scared to come forward out of fear that the offender will retaliate or embarrassment. Sexual harassment attorneys encourage all victims to come forward because doing nothing about the situation will undoubtedly ensure it gets worse. Schedule a consultation today.
Do Women Who Report Sexual Harassment Get Treated Worse If they Complain?
October 29th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
New York, NY- Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious problem, and there are laws in place to protect the men and women who must deal with this kind of abuse. But a new Australian report shows that people, who report sexual harassment, make things worse for themselves.
One in five women is sexually harassed at work and on college campuses. It was and still is such a widespread problem that laws were created to protect workers, but reporting harassment has consequences and discourages men and women from reporting any incidents.
A study by the Australian Humans Right Commission found that when women report inappropriate touching or sexually charged comments to their supervisors end up suffering retaliation. And while this is not a new issue, the study found that since 2003, the suffering of people who reported this misconducted rose from 7 percent to 23 percent.
The Australian study also showed that number of men facing sexual harassment rose from 7 percent in 2003 to 23 percent.
Retaliation, even though illegal, is all too common. Instead of punishing the aggressor, employers punish their employees by cutting their hours, treating them poorly, or even firing them.
In addition to dealing with emotional distress, the object of harassment can lose valuable wages or be passed up for promotions simply by speaking up. Fortunately, they have a legal course of action they can follow.
The first step is to report the abusive actions or comments to their supervisor. If a superior refuses to address the issue a sexual harassment attorney can step in and file a suit against the negligent employer. Those who are subjected to repeated harassment are eligible to receive compensation.
Iowa Twins File Sexual Harassment Suit Against McDonalds, Do They Have a Case?
October 25th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Des Moines, IA- Two teen girls filed a lawsuit against their shift trainer at a local McDonald’s alleging that he sexually harassed them in 2010 and 2011 and they were retaliated against when they complained.
Cynthia Monahan and Christin Goggin allege that their shift manager subjected them to unwanted sexual comments and sending them graphic images of cartoon pornography. The lawsuit even alleges that he groped one of the young women.
Monahan, 16, and Goggin, 17, went to their supervisor to complain about their manager’s behavior. But instead of him taking action, the “sarcastic and demeaning” manager reduced their work hours.
Both women said they “explicitly and unequivocally” rejected the shift manager’s advances, who is around 30. However, this didn’t stop him and when the women retorted by telling him to find someone closer to his age, he replied “Age is just a number.”
He also sent several cartoon pornographic images to the women.
The first step in stopping sexual harassment is to directly confront the offender. If this doesn’t stop the misconduct, the harassed employee must take their complaint to management. This should stop the harassment, but too often employers fail to take action.
When a person is dealing with a hostile work environment, and those in the position to stop it do nothing. The victims have no option other than to hire a sexual harassment attorney to file a suit. A strong case will enable the victims to seek compensation for their emotional distress and lost wages.
Is “Real Housewives” Star Lisa Vanderpump Ignoring Sexual Harassment at her LA Restaurant?
October 16th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Beverly Hills, CA- “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Lisa Vanderpump owns several restaurants and gives the impression that she knows what she’s doing, but an employee at her Beverly Hills Villa Blanco says she’s a less than perfect boss, alleging Vanderpump ignored her repeated complaints that she was being sexually harassed.
Karina Bustillos claims that in April of this year, restaurant manager Michael Govia tricked her by telling her to close her eyes. When she opened them, an open-mouthed Govia was near her mouth, attempting to kiss her. Bustillos was outraged and complained about the incident, according to TMZ.
After complaining, Govia started calling her names like “b*tch” and “c*nt”, telling servers he “could have her,” suggesting he could sleep with her if he wanted. In one incident Govia allegedly “grabbed and twisted her wrists.”
Bustillos also alleges that when she approached Vanderpump to complain of the abuse, she refused to listen.
Bustillos filed a lawsuit because she was forced to quit because of the unaddressed harassment. She is seeking $5 million in compensation.
Vanderpump denies the claims, andhas stated that no harassment appears on surveillance video. She plans to fight the charges.
The first step in dealing with sexual harassment is to file a complaint with a supervisor. But too often they refuse to acknowledge the behavior, the victim then must turn to a sexual harassment attorney who will force the employer to recognize the abuse, and compensate the victim for lost wages and emotional distress.
Susan Sarandon Opens Up About Sexual Harassment In Her Past
October 15th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Victims of sexual harassment are often afraid to come forward because they are embarrassed about their situation or because they fear the offender will retaliate. However, victims should know they are not alone. One Hollywood actress has stepped forward admitting she was the victim of sexual harassment. Hopefully her revelations will inspire courage in others who were hurt by a sexual predator to also come forward and fight for their rights.
Actress Susan Sarandon has admitted she was the victim of unwanted sexual misconduct. In an interview with ELLE magazine released on October 15, 2012, Sarandon, 66, reveals she was the victim of a predatory casting agent early on in her career.
“I just went into a room, and a guy practically threw me on the desk. It was in my early days in New York, and it was really disgusting. It wasn’t like I gave it a second thought, it was so badly done,” explained Sarandon.
Sexual harassment is defined as any unwanted and unwelcomed conduct that is sexual in nature. It can include anything from a general sexual joke to a serious physical attack like rape, but one thing that all sexual harassment has in common is that it violates a person’s rights. If you or someone you know has been targeted by a sexual offender, speak to a leading sexual harassment lawyer right away to put an end to the unwanted actions.
Sexual harassment lawyers do whatever it takes to ensure your rights are protected. They will make sure the offender is brought to justice and will also see to it that you receive the money damages and lost wages you deserve for your pain and suffering. Contact a sexual harassment attorney today to file a claim and protect your rights.
Central Park Boathouse Slapped With Yet another Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
September 26th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
New York, NY- Last year the Boathouse restaurant in Central Park was sued by a waitress for creating a hostile work environment. Now another waitress is alleging that the restaurant is run “like a frat house,” and she was sexually harassed by male staff and has filed a federal lawsuit.
In a lawsuit filed with a Manhattan court, Marie Angier, 39, said two male waiters told her they were having a “contest” to see which one of them would have sex with her first.
“The even openly bragged about their contest,” the suit says.
Angier,who has worked at the Boathouse for six years, also stated that the restaurant’s bookkeeper would corner her in area by the time clock, dubbed “The Cage,” and refused to hand over her paycheck until she agreed to go out with him. He would also try to kiss her.
Dean Poll, the Boathouse’s owner, was also named in the suit after unusual comments he made to staff after getting negative online reviews. According to the suit Poll said, “People who have sex without love are prostitutes. So if you are here working without love you are a prostitute.”
Angier is seeking punitive damages and lost wages.
Dean Poll denies her allegations, and insists he did not refer to his employees as prostitutes, adding that the lawsuit was frivolous.
Angier initially filed a complaint with the EEOC, but in June they ruled that they were unable to prove the behavior violated federal law.
Sometimes these types of cases should be referred to a New York sexual harassment attorney, who will devote a great deal of time and energy to their client’s case, so they get the settlement they deserve.
Metropolitan Opera Stagehand Alleges Sexual Harassment at the Hand of Coworkers
September 18th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
New York, NY- A former stagehand for the Metropolitan Opera has filed a lawsuit against the company alleging that her male co-workers subjected her to a hostile work environment by sexually harassing her and putting her in physical danger.
Teri Osborne, 53, worked for the company for three years as their only female stagehand, and stated in her federal lawsuit that the harassment began almost immediately.
“They started heckling me immediately, day in, day out and we worked very long days,” Osborne told the New York Post, “They acted like badly-behaved 8 year-old boys.”
The New York Post also reported that her direct supervisor set the tone for other employees when he began calling her a “girl.” Her fellow stagehands would subject her to repeated sexual advances.
Osborne’s career ended when she was pushed to the ground by a coworker, who fell on her. There were no witnesses to the inciden,t but she was left with physical injuries that ended her career. Now she is utilizing the expertise of a sexual harassment attorney to seek compensation.
The New York Post story didn’t state whether Osborne reported the harassment to the Met, which would be the first step in building a strong case. With an effective case, the sexual harassment victim can recover their lost wages and ask for punitive damages for the emotional distress the objects of sexual misconduct often face.
NYC Steakhouse Makes Huge Payout to Settle Male-on-Male Sexual Harassment
New York, NY- A Manhattan steakhouse has agreed to pay $600,000 to settle allegations that a male manager sexually harassed close to two dozen male waiters, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The lawsuit against Sparks Steak House stated that over an eight-year period a male manager repeatedly grabbed the buttocks of 22 men on the wait staff, along with making unwanted sexual comments. The manager also attempted to touch some the men’s genitals.
Even though many of the men approached the restaurant’s manager about the abusive behavior, the EEOC alleged that no one took steps to end the harassment.
In addition to paying the men $600,000, Sparks Steak House is also required to institute a sexual harassment and anti-discrimination training program and must establish a hotline for employees.
Over the past few years, the EEOC has seen a decline in the overall reports of sexual harassment, but reports of male-on-male harassment have increased by 16 percent.
The decrease of reports would indicate that sexual harassment is no longer a major issue in the workplace, but this may not be the case since many women ignore the misconduct for fear they will not be taken seriously or will be fired. This also applies to men.
No one, male or female, should have to tolerate this abuse, but when their superiors refuse to take action, the victims must turn to a New York sexual harassment lawyer to put a stop to the unwanted behavior. With the help of a skilled attorney those who have faced discrimination, harassment and retaliation can pursue a financial settlement for lost wages and emotional distress.