Sexual Harassment Issue at Work. Please help..

Question

Last year, I was approached by a male co-worker to take part in an employee ski trip. This sounded like great fun so I gave him my phone number and email address-- as did the others. Soon after I began receiving numerous phone calls from him. He would keep me on the line for the longest time talking about himself and asking personal questions. I ignored him and laughed it off but it persisted. He would and has made inappropriate comments to me such as "Just stand there and look cute so I can stare at you.." and "What are you doing besides looking cute?" I asked him to stop and I tried to establish boundaries but he refused to accept them saying he was "joking." Regardless of it's a joke or not, it still made me uncomfortable. I confronted by boss about this and she agreed as did a few others that he can say inappropriate things and does make frequent phone calls. She said she gets flirted with all the time, laughed it off and turned her head. So I emailed our CEO and told her about the situation. I haven't heard back. This man that I am writing about stated often that he was in good with the management in a way to seem threatening to me if I had spoken up. I am somewhat fearful but I do have others who feel the same way. Did I do the right thing? I have to enter this workplace tomorrow to pick up my paycheck and am afraid. I am afraid I am going to get treated rudely by my co-workers who enjoy him flirting with them. He's 48 by the way and we're all under 28 years of age.

Answer 1

Wow your company seams to have a little issue with how people are to be treated, as soon as you can talk to Human resources this is the next step. Not to sound mean but if you E-Mailed the CEO I would expect no follow up as he would be in a bad position if someone decides to sue so he would be advised to never open the message. However your employer is required by law to provide a safe and stable work environment. If your CEO does do anything prepare for a few bridges to be burned as he will make sure it is stopped and he may not do it in the best manner. If Human Resources is unable to resolve the matter then I would request the help of a lawyer to help settle this matter. At least force your employer in some training which in most business it is required, if nothing else it provides a legal advantage to the employer so you would also help them.  

Answer 2

Well, unfortunatetly, you have to decide how much you want to keep your job.

If you don't mind leaving it, file a complaint with the local Human Rights agency and let them handle it.

Expect to get fired for some unrelated issue fairly soon.

If you want to keep this job, perhaps your boyfriend ( or some gorilla posing as the BF) might have a talk with this guy privately.

Sorry that it comes to this, but sometimes the old ways are the best.

Personally, I like the gorilla choice.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Contact your county Job Center about this issue, I would also contact your county court house and ask about your rights and how to proceed in ending this harassment.

Answer 4

I'm just wondering about the ski trip and if you got to go.