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Retaliation for complaints may warrant legal action in New York

On Behalf of | May 11, 2018 | Uncategorized

Working in a male-dominated profession can be difficult for female workers. Women may feel as if they have to work harder to prove themselves on the job though they are perfectly capable of performing their duties, and they may also have to contend with unseemly behaviors from co-workers. Unfortunately, some women may even face retaliation for complaining about such behaviors.

New York readers may be interested in one woman who faced such a situation in another state. Reports indicated that the woman had worked as a police officer and claimed to have been sexually harassed while on the job. In one instance, a supervisor had allegedly suggested that she wear revealing clothing to a work-related meeting.

The woman filed a complaint about the harassment, and she reportedly faced retaliation for her complaints in the form of disciplinary action. The woman stated that she had worked for the department for 15 years, and during that time had only faced five instances of disciplinary action. After her complaints in 2014, she underwent a dozen investigations and faced six recommendations for disciplinary action before she resigned in 2016. Though she filed lawsuits in relation to sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation, the retaliation claim was the only one allowed to move forward. In relation to that case, the city was ordered to pay her over $80,000 in damages.

Everyone should have the ability to feel safe and comfortable in their work environments. When there are issues, workers should also feel as if they have the ability to come forward with complaints. If retaliation takes place due to complaints or claims of misconduct, New York workers may wish to consider their legal options.

Source: sacbee.com, “South Bend ordered to pay $80K in retaliation case”, May 7, 2018