Google announced that it will overhaul its processes for handling sexual harassment complaints after more than 20,000 Google employees staged a walkout earlier this month. The protestors called for an end to forced arbitration in cases of sexual misconduct and changes to the related reporting procedures. The employee protests force Google to apologise...
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Category: Sexual Harassment
What is a Hostile Work Environment?
Sexual harassment in the workplace has become a hot button issue due in large part to the rise of the #MeToo movement. At the same time, many workers may not be aware of the type of conduct that may be considered sexual harassment, and, in particular, what constitutes a hostile work environment. The best...
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Anti-Sexual Posters and Sheets
New York Employers Now Required to Display Anti-Sexual Harassment Posters and Distribute Informational Sheets under Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act
On May 9, 2018, arguably as one of New York City’s responses to the overwhelming #MeToo Movement, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law the Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act (the “Act”). In...
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The #METOO Movement Has Momentum In New Jersey
For as long as employers have settled sexual harassment claims, there have been settlement agreements containing strict non-disclosure or confidentiality provisions designed to conceal those settlements and prevent victims from sharing their stories. The New Jersey legislature is looking to change all that.
Currently pending in New Jersey are two bills which, if...
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Sexual Harassment By a Supervisor
No employee should have to endure sexual harassment. They should be able to come to work and just work. Sexual harassment poisons that environment – even more so when the employee’s harasser is his or her supervisor. This power imbalance understandably creates unique issues: employees are scared to complain or go along with...
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Sexual Harassment In the Entertainment Industry
Sexual harassment is a problem in essentially every industry, from corporate America to the non-profit sector. But a few industries tend to see more incidents of sexual harassment. The movie industry is one of them. The events leading up to the May 25, 2018 arrest of producer Harvey Weinstein emphasize this point.
Over the...
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New York State Creates New Sexual Harassment Obligations Concerning Arbitration
Earlier this month, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law a 2019 budget implementing provisions of the previous budget. In compliance with state standards, the amended New York budget now obligates employers in the state to:
Distribute a written sexual harassment policy; and
Perform...
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What are emotional distress damages for a sexual harassment claim?
Victims of sexual harassment often suffer emotional distress. The extent of the distress understandably varies, as do the awards. But the law does provide for compensation for emotional distress.
A plaintiff who prevails on a sexual harassment claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the New York State Human Rights Law, or...
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Sexual Harassment In the Restaurant Industry
Sexual harassment exists in every industry, but it is more prevalent in a few. On May 20, 2018, 60 Minutes aired a piece on sexual harassment in the restaurant industry focusing on claims against Mario Batali and the Spotted Pig Restaurant.
In that 60 Minutes segment, several women accuse Mario Batali of sexually harassing...
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What statutes protect against sexual harassment?
How do different statutes define sexual harassment?
An employee working in New York City can bring a sexual harassment claim under three statutes: the federal law called Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1967; the New York State Law called the New York State Human Rights Law; and the New York City...
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