Is this sex harassment?
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I just recently started working as a SalesRep (at-will) for a publishing company. The pay is great but almost immediately, my supervisor (whom is notorious for being a bully boss, whom is slitghly older than I) started picking on me personally. She demeans me and literally yells at me non-stop in front of my co-workers, even though I am her #1 rep in just a month. It's gotten to the point that it is now affecting my sales and is making me physically ill. My co-workers feel sorry for me, but are afriad to say anything.
In one of her grilling sessions with me, she told me that I need to see each and every client, particularly because I am a woman and sex sells. She told me that the shorter I wear my skirt and the lower I wear my blouse the better my sales. She also said she knew she wasn't supposed to say that, but it's true.
Answers (1)
Assuming that Male employees are not expected to "sell sex," this is certainly sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender. My concern would be that a single instance may not be sufficiently severe to support a harassment claim for litigation purposes-- I think it would depend on the Judge. Query: is there other evidence to show that the other "grilling sessions" are being done because of your gender? Are male employees subject to the grilling?
If you like the job, there may be a way to resolve this internally through HR, however there is a possibility of retaliation, which is also illegal.
I can offer you a confidential initial telephone consultation so I can learn more, for which I do not charge. My Tel. is 415-487-0426. Sincerely, Richard J. Vaznaugh, Esq.
posted by Richard J. Vaznaugh | Jul 15, 2003 4:52 PM [EST]
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