DANGEROUS LIAISONSgoes on all the time, and it upsets me. I can't work to my fullest
capacity. I've complained to the boss, but she just laughs at me.
I know, men have been doing it for years and it's time we got a
taste of it, but I haven't been doing it, and I don't want to take
the blame for all men!"
Eventually, Kenneth solved his problem by quitting and finding
another job.
FIGHTING SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Male or female, what can you do to fight sexual harassment?
First of all, confront the harasser. If it's a man, let him know
he's behaving in an offensive way. If this doesn't work, then the
next step should be to tell him you'll notify your superior or his
superior. It's best to do this in writing. It is also important to
keep a written record of what is going on with dates and times of
harassment and an explanation of just what is happening. You
should keep copies of your records and memos.
If it continues beyond this, you must take the matter to the
company heads, reminding them that the corporation is legally
responsible for keeping a harassment-free atmosphere. If there is
a company complaint procedure, use it.
If all this fails to work, the next step should be to contact
your state department of labor or human resources. You can get
the telephone number of your Equal Employment Opportunity Com-
mission field office by dialing 1-800-USA-EEOC. They will advise
you, and tell you when to file on a federal level.
These steps are often frightening ones to most workers, and,
of course, must be considered carefully before they are taken.
But if the subtext of harassment is strong and doesn't let up, the
employee should take legal action.