Rhode Island workers from all industries deserve to be treated with respect. Although sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination are illegal, some still experience it. Recently, Walmart was hit with charges due to this very issue.
Walmart sued for sexual harassment
After multiple complaints of sexual harassment from female employees at a Walmart store, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against the retail giant. According to the complaint, the store manager persistently harassed women, offensively touched them, made inappropriate comments and made requests for sexual favors.
According to the EEOC, multiple employees filed complaints about the manager’s conduct. Some reported that he failed to take appropriate measures to stop sexual harassment from happening at the hands of other employees. The EEOC also stated that one worker was the victim of workplace retaliation as she was fired after reporting him.
The EEOC lawsuit against Walmart is the second filed against the company in September 2023. A company spokesperson responded to the lawsuit, stating that the company does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and aims to ensure that all associates are respected. However, they also stated that the claims were unsubstantiated.
Understanding sexual harassment
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is illegal for any employee to be subjected to sexual harassment on the basis of their gender. Workplace retaliation for reporting such behavior or for filing a complaint is also against the law. Employers that fail to take appropriate action to curtail harassment or discrimination can be investigated and penalized.
Nobody should be subjected to harassment of any kind in the workplace. If you have faced sexual harassment or retaliation, you have the right to take action against it. One way to start a complaint is to document everything.