If you work in the retail industry and you were sexually harassed at work, you are not alone. According to the claims filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the retail industry accounted for 13.44 percent of the sexual harassment claims filed from 2005 to 2015.
If you work in the retail industry and you were sexually harassed at work, you may be able to file an employment law claim and recover compensation for your damages suffered because of the sexual harassment. Along with the and food services industry, retail and wholesale workers filed more than any other jobs during the 20 years from 1995 to 2016.
How a Retail Industry Employee May Experience Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
The retail industry involves people working in grocery stores, discount stores, clothing retailers, and so forth. You may be a stocker, manager, cashier, sales associate, or fill one of the many roles in the retail environment.
Sexual harassment consists of unwanted and inappropriate advances in which you are offered something in return. As an example, it may be that you are told if you heed to your manager’s sexual advances you will be given a raise, or if you agree to go out with a supervisor, you may be given a promotion.
As an example, you are a cashier at a grocery store. Your manager tells you that there will be an opening for head cashier soon and that job offers considerably more pay. You indicate that you are interested in the promotion.
Your manager says that if you can find time to spend with him after work, he can guarantee you will get the promotion, but otherwise, you will not get the job. This is an example of sexual harassment in the workplace.
In another scenario, you may be the only female working night stock. Your coworkers make cat calls and hit you on the rear-end in front of the supervisor, who does not take any action. You tell your manager that you are not happy about the situation and he just laughs about it. This is also an example of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim While Working in the Retail Industry
You have a limited time to pursue a sexual harassment claim after you have been sexually harassed in the workplace. If you wait too long, you cannot recover compensation for your damages.
You will need to gather as much supporting evidence and documentation as possible so you can make sure your claim is strong enough to succeed. This will include your employment contract, your employee handbook, statements from witnesses, any emails, texts, or memos, and any video or audio recordings as well as any digital images that may apply to your claim.
You will want to file your claim with your employer by meeting with the human resources (HR) department. You will need to provide them with copies of the evidence, but you should keep the original documents.
Be sure to document your employer’s response and keep any correspondence you receive about the situation. If you cannot successfully get the issue resolved, or if the harassment continues, you will want to continue your claim by filing a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The EEOC will interview you and investigate the matter. They will then talk with your employer and try to resolve the issue.
If there is an ongoing pattern, or if they find that the sexual harassment was intentional and that your employer had no remorse, they will suggest that you advance your claim to court. You may want to file a sexual harassment lawsuit against your employer and ask to be compensated for your damages suffered because of the illegal actions. An employment law attorney can help you maneuver the process.
Get a Free Case Evaluation Today
If you are a victim of sexual harassment in the retail industry, you may want to enlist the help of an attorney. An employment law attorney will be familiar with the state and federal laws that apply to your situation.
With the help of a lawyer, you are much more likely to have a successful case. An attorney will help you gather supporting evidence and documentation and will work to ensure you are treated fairly.
Some employment law attorneys – but not all of them – take cases on a contingency basis. Be sure to ask your lawyer about their payment plans. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to get your claim reviewed by an attorney.
