Florida employees who have ever experienced a violation of their civil rights in the workplace should be able to count on help in these situations. However, there are times when a business can be confronted with issues that they do not properly respond to. When this happens, some employees are unsure of what to do or where to turn.
A woman who worked for a vacation rental management company based in Miami found herself in such a situation. Fortunately for her, she has found additional assistance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The woman was fired from her job after making complaints about a male employee in a management position. She alleged that the man proposed sexual acts to her, groped her body and exposed himself to her. Other women also are reported to have alleged instances of sexual harassment by the same manager.
Sources indicate that the woman was fired roughly 15 months after the behavior began. Her wrongful discharge was in apparent retaliation for her alerting the company. The EEOC is pursuing multiple forms of compensation such as compensatory damages, punitive damages and lost pay. Having the woman given her job back may also be part of a potential settlement. Even without employment contracts, people have rights and there are clear employment regulations governing harassment in the workforce.
Anyone in Florida who has suffered any form of workplace harassment should know they have the right to seek help. Talking to an attorney at these times can be a good way of understanding what can be done to obtain compensation and justice.
Source: Miami Herald, “Sexual harassment claim by hotel worker leads to EEOC lawsuit,” Hannah Sampson, October 1, 2015
