I think I'm being sexually harassed at work! any lawyers?

Original post by nmagel

Feb 01, 2008 07:44 PM

I JUST started a new job this week and my boss is sooo inappropriate. For starters, he runs his hand down my shoulder several times a day. He was looking through a day planner and in plain view I noticed a print out of a pornographic image. He mentions how he likes to go the southern office b/c they have a hot receptionist, and everyone in the office is allowed to wear jeans on Friday but yesterday he said I couldn't. When I came to work in a suit, he said 'you look so nice and everyone else looks like sh*t'. The kicker is, he said 'i'm so glad I hired you. It's like love!' He creeps me out and wants me to go on a biz trip w/ him in a couple of weeks.
Am I wrong or do I have a right to feel this way????

GtBride Posted: Feb 02, 2008 10:30 AM

Re: I think I'm being sexually harassed at work! any lawyers?

I am skeeved out reading this.

mnd1202 Posted: Feb 02, 2008 10:32 AM

Re: I think I'm being sexually harassed at work! any lawyers?

umm nooooo id feel the same way as you and i think you should tell him you cant go, u have wedding stuff to do or something

MJDoc12 Posted: Feb 02, 2008 10:35 AM

Re: I think I'm being sexually harassed at work! any lawyers?

like the PP said about contacting HR and following their procedures--i would do that.

write down every single time he's done something inappropriate and keep a record of it.

and make sure you TELL HIM that its something that you do not feel comfortable with --and you think he's crossing a line. who knows--he might just need to be told to his face that its not okay and he'll stop.

loislane Posted: Feb 02, 2008 10:53 AM

Re: I think I'm being sexually harassed at work! any lawyers?

Posted by gfield101

Posted by BklynBride2Be

im skeeved out and all i did was read this!!

DITTO

double ditto, gross

nmagel Posted: Feb 03, 2008 08:18 AM

Re: I think I'm being sexually harassed at work! any lawyers?

Posted by MJDoc12

like the PP said about contacting HR and following their procedures--i would do that.

write down every single time he's done something inappropriate and keep a record of it.

and make sure you TELL HIM that its something that you do not feel comfortable with --and you think he's crossing a line. who knows--he might just need to be told to his face that its not okay and he'll stop.

I have documented EVERYTHING but I'm soo nervous to confront him, b/c I'm afraid he's going to make it an impossible place for me to work.

siffleuse319 Posted: Feb 03, 2008 09:10 AM

Re: I think I'm being sexually harassed at work! any lawyers?

You can say something as simple as 'I'm not really comfortable with that'...and then walk away. BUT..you have you say something. Part of the sexual harassment definition requires the 'victim' to address the issue to the harasser, and then if it continues, you have a stronger, clearer case. If he continues to make it an uncomfortable work environment....document how and when and then find yourself a lawyer.

tlp123 Posted: Feb 03, 2008 10:32 AM

Re: I think I'm being sexually harassed at work! any lawyers?

Posted by nmagel

Posted by MJDoc12

like the PP said about contacting HR and following their procedures--i would do that.

write down every single time he's done something inappropriate and keep a record of it.

and make sure you TELL HIM that its something that you do not feel comfortable with --and you think he's crossing a line. who knows--he might just need to be told to his face that its not okay and he'll stop.

I have documented EVERYTHING but I'm soo nervous to confront him, b/c I'm afraid he's going to make it an impossible place for me to work.

Don't look at it as a 'confrontation'. There is no need to argue with him. You are simply stating a fact.....you are uncomfortable with his actions and comments and you want him to stop. And, as the poster above states, maybe that is all you need to do and the problem will be taken care of.

If he doesn't stop, then you can move forward. And you are definitely in the right and he is definitely wrong.

As far as him 'going to make it an impossible place to work'.......he is already saying highly inappropriate comments, he is touching you, dictating what you should wear, showing pornographic pics, inviting you on business trips....

It already sounds pretty impossible to me.

MeaganAndJoeC Posted: Feb 03, 2008 10:40 AM

Re: I think I'm being sexually harassed at work! any lawyers?

I think you should do somethng about this asap and let hr take carfe of the situation. Good Luck

jgl Posted: Feb 03, 2008 10:41 AM

Re: I think I'm being sexually harassed at work! any lawyers?

im not a lawyer but i believe that you need to tell him to stop and show that he didnt, but iagree you should find someone there above him tthat you sould talk to about this

I was also harrassed at work. I used to work in a popular car dealership as a receptionist on the weekends. Salesman said to me 'sit on my lap and feel my bread rise' one tried to put a pen cap in my cleavage. and so much more... I left there , but i was only 19 and uncomfortable approaching someone there about it but my dad did have me see a lawyer, we didnt pursue it but they did send a letter there - i wanted them to all be aware that they are wrong and can get sued

Ayne11 Posted: Feb 03, 2008 10:42 AM

Re: I think I'm being sexually harassed at work! any lawyers?

Time to up and leave... since you haven't been there that long you don't owe him anything.. And if he asks tell him why. There are far too many better jobs out there to continue to stay at this one and get skeeved out and harassed everyday!

mrsjpc3 Posted: Feb 03, 2008 10:44 AM

Re: I think I'm being sexually harassed at work! any lawyers?

It is harrassment what he is doing, however you will not have a case if you dont do the following: You must first tell him he is being inappropriate and his behavior bothers you. If it continues, you must go over his head to either another manager or HR. If they still fail to do anything about it, then you may have a case. Also, you should be documenting everything for yourself (times, dates etc) of when this harrassment occurred, and if there are any witnesses to it. I have been thru this before, and have met with 2 attorneys about this. It is very hard to prove/win a case. Guess what my former boss got? A slap on the wrist (despite 5 other females in the past complaining to HR about the same thing), and he was forced to take a sexual harrassment seminar at the HIlton for 5 days. WOW, big deal. He is sill in his current position, prob doing the same thing to other women now...Sorry to hear you are dealing w/ this.