Federal Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Do you feel like you’re being sexually harassed at work? If so, it’s essential to speak up about your mistreatment. Reach out to a federal workplace harassment attorney for guidance through the claims process.
Sexual harassment at work happens often. Both men and women can experience sexual harassment, and it can be difficult for employees to speak up about it. Some employees may allow sexual harassment by their employers because they feel embarrassed by the situation or fearful that they’ll lose their jobs if they tell someone.
If you’re being sexually harassed by your boss or another coworker, you shouldn’t allow this behavior to continue. You deserve respect, and you’re entitled to a safe work environment under the law. A federal workplace sexual harassment lawyer from Snider & Associates, LLC can protect you by filing a claim against your employer and seeking justice on your behalf.
Legal Protection against Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that protects employees from sexual harassment at work. Although this law doesn’t explicitly outlaw sexual harassment, sexual harassment can be considered gender discrimination, and gender discrimination is illegal under Title VII.
The Merit Systems Principles, enforced by the Merit Systems Protection Board, also protect federal government employees from sexual harassment at work.
Examples of Sexual Harassment at Work
Sexual harassment can come in many forms, and it’s important that you can identify this behavior if you hope to hold your employer accountable. Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual advances by an employer or coworker, sexually explicit jokes, sexual comments about your body, sexual assault or touching, stalking, or demands for sexual acts in exchange for workplace advancement, among other actions and behaviors.
You should address any suggestive or offensive behavior that makes your workplace feel uncomfortable or hostile. You can address the issue with your human resources department, but if the issue isn’t resolved, you should file an official claim.
The Sexual Harassment Claims Process
You can file a federal sexual harassment claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or with the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). If you file with the EEOC, you must do so by speaking with your agency’s EEO counselor. You must contact your EEO counselor within forty-five days of when the latest incident occurred.
Your EEO counselor may ask you to take part in EEO counseling or an alternative dispute resolution program with your employer. If mediation isn’t successful, you can file an official claim and an investigation will begin. The EEOC may provide a remedy for your mistreatment, but you can also drop the claim at various times and sue your employer privately.
If you file a claim through the MSPB, you must do so within thirty days of when your mistreatment occurred. The MSPB will assign your case to an administrative judge, who will gather evidence and decide whether discrimination has occurred. The MSPB claims process can be complex, so having an attorney by your side can be helpful.
Consult a Federal Workplace Sexual Harassment Attorney
Regardless of where you file your claim, having the support of an experienced attorney will make your case run more smoothly. Sexual harassment at work is unacceptable, and if you hope to succeed in your federal career, it’s important to speak up.
To begin the claims process, contact a federal workplace sexual harassment lawyer from Snider & Associates, LLC. Fill out the contact form below or call 410-653-9060 to schedule a consultation.